Fixture

The first meeting between Kenfig Hill and Ystalyfera this season was at a sunny and dry Ynysydarren Park with only a slight breeze to worry about. Home side kicked off towards the Swansea end facing the sun. Ystalyfera made an aggressive start pushing the visitors into the ‘tunnel’ corner, a resultant first ‘catch and drive’ of the day being penalised. The positional advantage was maintained however, and off another lines-out some ‘power’ play by the ‘Fera forwards allowed hooker Daniel Williams to burst over the try-line getting his 4^th of the season. Centre Gareth James converted in the 10^th minute – score 7 – 0. After the re-start Ystalyfera had to defend but proceedings soon returned to the Kenfig half of the field. A passage of returning kicks then ensued and outside half Damien James was most effective. Whilst the Kenfig Hill backs were looking useful when they got the ball,  the ‘Fera forwards were very positive and the visitors had to work hard to keep them out. After a long penalty the visitors moved the game into the ‘Fera 22 but the combination of Kenfig mistakes and strong Ystalyfera scrums kept the ball with the home side. A chance break by the home backs saw a super line kick by full-back Stephan Castle into the visitors corner. From a line-out a home scrum was pushed over the try-line only for No8 Stephan Jones to knock-on an attempted pick-up. The pressure remained and moving the ball across the ‘Fera backs let wing Luc Caines get his first senior Try for the club in the 31^st minute. This conversion was missed – score 12 – 0. Missing a penalty kick soon after the re-start Kenfig sought to pass the ball quickly across the midfield, ‘Fera wing Josh Jarrett however was alert and a short burst centre-field was unfortunately stopped by a miss-pass. In added on time Ystalyfera lost concentration and Kenfig Hill took a chance from a failed tackle. Centre Luke Griffiths running in a Try under the posts, converted by outside half Nick Giles. The first period ended 12 – 7.

Second half started with referee Mr Kirkhouse, judging Damien James clearing a ball taken back over the 22. From the line-out Kenfig Hill fully passed the ball out along their backs until full back Marc Fitzgerald scored their second Try. This was converted putting the visitors into the lead 12 – 14. Ystalyfera players now seemed frustrated and mistakes were letting Kenfig Hill gain control. A torrid period of play resulted with Ystalyfera shifting the game into the ‘Garage’ corner. Good forward technique saw Ystalyfera develop a catch and drive and scrum half Tom Barry got the third home Try in the 57^th minute. This was not converted – score 17 – 14. Three minutes after the re-start Kenfig Hill won a penalty which was well kicked by Nick Giles – score 17 – 17. The visitors now attempted to keep events in the home 22 by some long kicks. From one of these Luc Caines and Stephan Castle put together a good run taking the home forwards back to the ‘Garage’ corner. A relentless big effort with five scrums and two charge-downs now had the ‘Fera forwards attempting to gain the winning score but Kenfig Hill defended well and the chance was missed. Both sides finished the game with some scrappy play, everyone fatigued by their hard work. In the last minute Gareth James attempted a long penalty from the half way line but it wasn’t to be.

Final score 17 – 17.

This was the first game after a break of a number of weeks and both sides gave as much effort as they could. Ystalyfera strength was up front and Kenfig Hill held out well, their quick backs not getting the chance to win the game for them.

Penalty count was

12 committed by Kenfig Hill and 10 by Ystalyfera.

Fera breakdown was 4 given for offside, 4 for holding ball/player, 1 side entry, 1 for verbal abuse.