Fixture

With the pitch at Ynysydarren in excellent condition, Bridgend Athletic kicked off toward the school end, looking for their first ever win at Ystalyfera. Seeking an early try, determined pressure saw a set of line-outs and scrums, helped by set piece options from penalties. The Ystalyfera defence was solid however, and a breakout with a line kick which wing Luc Caines gathered superbly, saw a neat inside pass to full back Steffan Castle run in the first try after 5 minutes. This was converted by outside half Gareth James – score 7 – 0. Play returned to the ‘Fera half with the visitors again on the attack. Ystalyfera forwards worked the ball into the Bridgend half and a high tackle allowed Gareth James to increase the lead with a penalty in the 12^th minute – score 10 – 0. Not deterred Bridgend Athletic continue to advance into the Ystalyfera half until the 21^st minute, when they quickly run the ball out along the back line where winger Chris Walker scores their first try. This was not converted. A series of positional kicks now took place between the sides, testing each others defences. A penalty for offside was converted by Bridgend outside half Steve Lewis in the 24^th minute – score 10 – 8. Ystalyfera forwards now made a penetrating attack, only for an interception close to the Bridgend tryline by Steve Lewis see him run the length of the field to score the second visitors try, which he converted himself – score 10 – 15. The game was very open with both teams looking to move the ball. Defensive clearance kicks being effective. The ‘Fera forwards now worked hard into the ‘Tunnel’ corner but another breakout was stopped with a penalty offence in the 40^th minute. This was converted by Bridgend Athletic full back Dan Howells. A lack of concentration by the visitors after the restart however, allowed Gareth James to kick another penalty leaving the half time score 13 – 18.

Ystalyfera began the second period with an all out attack, No8 Ben Davies drove the ball at the school corner, where after pressure by the home backs the visitors cleared their lines. End to end play saw an excellent block tackle by ‘Fera  centre Jonathan Bayliss. In the 48^th minute pressure in the “ tunnel” corner eventually saw Bridgend’s Chris Walker score their third try – score 13 – 23. The game now rotated around the midfield area of the field, where Ystalyfera struggled to gain any cohesion against the well organised Bridgend Athletic. In the 67^th minute Bridgend converted a further penalty by Dan Howells. In the 73^rd minute frustration saw a clash between players and while a Bridgend player was yellow carded, ‘Fera scrum half Scott Gibson was given a red after earning a yellow earlier in the game for talking at the referee. Ystalyfera did not give up and again worked hard into the visitors half. Alas, Bridgend were hungry for the bonus try and in the 76^th minute No8 Stu Edbrooke crossed over. Final score  13 – 31.   

This was a fast open game between two sides that could move the ball. The obvious greater experience in the Bridgend Athletic side did make the difference. The younger ‘Fera team, full of  effort and want to achieve at home, could not break the visitors. Competing hard against one of the best sides to visit Ystalyfera can only bring further improvement, bring on the next game.

Penalty count was 18 for Ystalyfera, with 13 against;

1 for holding the ball on floor, 2 in scrum, 5 offside, 3 not releasing in tackle, and 2 side entry.