Fixture

Ystalyfera travelled to Kenfig Hill on a damp, clingy Wednesday night to play Rhiwbina in the Quarter Final of the Glamorgan County Silver Ball Trophy. Having only ever met Rhiwbina in the same competition at the Semi-Final stage back in 1998-99, losing 17 – 28, and our opponents siting strongly in second place of Division One East Central, a hard encounter was expected.  

Ystalyfera kicked off away from the Clubhouse end, and an immediate returned ball was knocked on for the first scrum. Rhiwbina fed the ball out their line and a kick moved play into their top left corner of the field. Following up, the Rhiwbina attack made a forward pass, only for Ystalyfera to give away a penalty in the resulting scrum. This allowed their East Wales opponents to have a 5m line out as a result. A well executed catch and drive gave Rhiwbina the first Try, pushed over by prop and Captain Jamie Deabreu in the 4^th minute. This was not converted: score 5 – 0. The ‘Fera made their first attack from the restart, winning a scrum and threading the ball out the line to wing Luc Caines, his burst of speed being pegged by a good tackle. A drive by the ‘Fera pack set up a line-out on the Rhiwbina 5m line at the highest corner of the pitch. A return well taken catch and drive saw ‘Fera flanker Cameron Miguel power over for an equalising Try in the 8^th minute. No10 Taylor Phillips was unlucky with a long conversion effort: score 5 – 5. Both sides were looking to inject some pace into the game, but the conditions were a big problem. Ystalyfera worked their way back up to the high corner, and began to press with their forwards. The ‘Squirrels’ defence worked equally hard and despite attempting to run the ball and at times use the boot, Ystalyfera kept penning them back. A couple of long Rhiwbina kicks took events to half way, but the well organised ‘Fera backs kept returning to the Rhiwbina 22. The power of the ‘Fera scrums now began to earn some penalties, and in the 18^th minute a measured line kick by Taylor Phillips allowed wing Bowdy Davies to collect and speed his way thru Rhiwbina attempts to tackle and run in the second ‘Fera Try. Taylor’s second conversion attempt was again off course: score 5 - 10. Rhiwbina attack from the restart and after a line-out Ystalyfera gave away a penalty for offside. This 21^st minute opportunity was in midfield and Rhiwbina kicker centre Lewis Pearce made no mistake: score 8 – 10. Unrelenting Ystalyfera were soon back on the attack, surging up the middle of the pitch and winning a penalty. This was not Taylor Phillips luckiest of days with another miss, but Ystalyfera were not perturbed. Pressing on a set of line-outs on the lower left hand side, Rhiwbina had to work continuously to keep the ‘Fera out. Powerful scrums and line-outs wore the defenders down and in the 31^st minute, hooker Ryan (the Rhino) James, bulldozed over for the third Ystalyfera Try. Club leading points scorer Gareth James converted this one: score 8 – 17.

Ystalyfera were now in the ascendancy, keeping the majority of play in the Rhiwbina half. The ‘Fera backs looked most hungry, and the ‘Squirrels’ had their work cut out. At the end of the half, Rhiwbina did begin to creep up the stand touchline, encouraged by their supporters. The ‘Fera forwards were having none of it however, and no further score ensued.  

Rhiwbina were certainly not giving up and with the kick off launched into the attack. Ystalyfera were forced to defend and this was done most admirably. Penalties and breaks from all corners were stubbornly repulsed, the numerous Ystalyfera supporters adding their contribution. Rhiwbina were beginning to doubt what more was required. The whole ‘Fera side remained strong, the pace of the game unrelenting. Substitutions were made by both sides, and the quality of the match continued. Ystalyfera, whilst parrying the Rhiwbina attacks, were still dangerous, and in the 60^th minute the lead was increased with a well taken Gareth James penalty: score 8 – 20. 16 minutes later and his experience was called upon again with another penalty kick: score 8 – 23. All the Rhiwbina effort was not producing any result, and Ystalyfera were in full control. With Rhiwbina somewhat out of shape at the end, Ystalyfera took advantage and a fast attack saw the referee award a penalty Try to the ‘Fera to end the game: score 8 – 30.

In wet and difficulty midweek conditions, both sides made a big effort and earned respect for their determination and effort. Whilst Rhiwbina fielded a young, fit and fast side, Ystalyfera displayed their control and discipline to earn a well deserved win. Division Two West Central leaders Birchgrove will be the opponents in the forthcoming Semi-Final.   .

The penalty counts were 13 for Ystalyfera and 14 for Rhiwbina.