Fixture

Overcast conditions did not dampen the enthusiasm at Cwmllynfell for this first local derby fixture of the season against Ystalyfera. Both sides were seeking points at the wrong end of the table, and the stakes were high as the home side kicked off toward the downhill end. With no wind to speak of, the first scrum took place close to the half way line. The revered ‘Fera pack made a powerful statement and Cwmllynfell were forced to clear over the touchline. The first lineout was a good take by ‘Fera flanker Jesse Patton, and the feed out the line by Captain and No8 Steffan Jones, saw winger Luc Caines come inside and race thru the home defence to score his 50^th points for Ystalyfera and his 9^th Try of the season. Outside half Gareth James converted in the 5^th minute. – score: 0 – 7. A scrum offence after the restart gave Cwm winger Bowdy Davies a chance to pull back the lead but his effort fell short. Cwmllynfell now worked the game into the left hand corner and passed the ball across the line only for ‘Fera to steal possession. Full back Steffan Castle clearing the ball. A penalty awarded for a high tackle in the 13^th minute allowed Gareth James to increase the lead. – score: 0 – 10. Both sides, encouraged by their sets of supporters were now giving their all, seeking to gain control of the ball. The referee was awarding more penalties against the visitors, and in the 18^th and 22^nd minutes Bowdy Davies found his mark - score : 6 – 10. A knock on by Cwmllynfell then gave ‘Fera a scrum on the their 22m line, but a penalty for verbal abuse and another for handling the ball on the floor saw the first Sin Bin awarded against Ystalyfera prop Jonathan Williams. Cwmllynfell, keeping possession, attempted to run at Ystalyfera but the defence stood firm, fearless tackling by wing Emyr Myers. Things were certainly hotting up with reversed penalties, the Ystalyfera defence firmly holding their ground. Not changing their tactics the home side continued to search for some gap or weakness, but nothing was apparent. A long clearance kick by Steffan Castle up to Bowdy Davies moved the focus to the home 22. Ystalyfera pack now attempted to drive toward the Cwmllynfell tryline with scrum, penalty, scrum, their effort lost after another decision was awarded against the visitors. Not put off Ystalyfera were soon back in the same spot, and after further scrum attacks the referee finally awarded a penalty Try in the 43^rd minute. Yellow card against a Cwmllynfell flanker. Gareth James’ second conversion lifted the score to 6 – 17. A last minute penalty for offside awarded to Cwmllynfell was narrowly missed by Bowdy Davies.

Ystalyfera set the game up at the start of the second half in the home downhill area of the field. Eventually Cwmllynfell broke out with a kick, chase and collection, spreading the ball out their line. The Ystalyfera backs were focused however with good tackles and defensive clearances. A Cwmllynfell catch and drive attempt was then held up, Gareth James being yellow carded. The home team were making a big effort to effect a score but Ystalyfera were keeping an outstanding blanket defence. The referee was liberal with his penalties but Cwmllynfell could not find any weakness. Steffan Castle was then yellow carded for a side tackle. The match continued in the same vein and after Ystalyfera win a scrum against the head, followed by a powerful drive the referee had to award a penalty Try. Gareth James now back on the field, converted in the 71^st minute: score: 6 – 20. Not giving up Cwmllynfell made another linked attack from the restart, this time the visitor defence being caught off-guard. Wing Steffan Cambriani ran in a consolation Try, not converted. Final score was11 – 20 to Ystalyfera.

An expectedly highly motivated game between two local sides well respected by each other. Whilst full of stops and penalties, both teams scrapping to gain control of the ball, no quarter was given, tension remaining throughout. The Xmas/New Year break dictates no games for the next two weeks, combat resuming in January 2017.