Fixture

Ystalyfera RFC | 1st Team 20 - 30 Trebanos RFC | 1st Team
Steffan Castle
Conversion 1
Penalty 2
Craig Watkins
Try 1
Gareth James
Conversion 1
Luke Griffiths
2 Conversion
2 Penalty
Kristian Jones
1 Try
Rhodri Williams
3 Try

Match Report
28 April 2017 / Team News

Ystalyfera 20 - 30 Trebanos

Another Ynysydarren mid-week re-arranged fixture, this time versus Trebanos, was begun under the sunshine with a slight wind. Ystalyfera started towards the Swansea end, and an early series of kicks leaves the ‘Fera with a line out on the half way line. The forward contest begins in the ‘tunnel’ corner, and a tight home scrum earns the first penalty on the 22m line. Full back Steffan Castle opening the score after 5 minutes: 3 – 0. Trebanos come back with their first attack, and Ystalyfera stay alert to keep them out. In the 10th minute the ‘Fera give away a penalty close to the touchline, and Trebanos full back Luke Griffiths kicks well to even the score: 3 – 3. Ystalyfera scrum half Nathan Corneilius then has to leave the field, substitute Andrew Jenkins coming on. Trebanos were using long kicks to keep Ystalyfera out of their half and gain ground, but the ‘Fera were fielding well. Ystalyfera then mounted a forward advance, using a line out to drive into the visitors 22, a penalty returning play into the midfield. Both sides were positively looking for gaps in their opponents line, and in the 18th minute a neat chip by Trebanos foils Steffan Castle, Christian Jones picking up well to run in the first Try. This was converted by Luke Griffiths: score – 3 – 10. This wakes up the generous crowd lining the field, and Ystalyfera raise the tempo at the restart, only for the visitors to make another break. This time centre Rhodri Williams runs in the second try, which is not converted: score – 3 – 15. Ystalyfera not disheartened, pick up the restart back into the tunnel corner. Purposeful forward play, using line outs and scrums, moves the home side steadily towards the visitor try-line. A quick 5m catch and drive off a line-out spreads the ball into the centre of the field, and centre Craig Watkins forces himself over the line for the first ‘Fera try. This is converted by Steffan Castle in the 27th minute: score – 10 – 15. The referee yellow cards Trebanos lock Rhys Morgan before the restart, Ystalyfera, now being encouraged by the vociferous ‘Sheddies’ to attack again. This they oblige and powerful scrums press the visitors defence. A penalty miss on the half hour does not relieve Trebanos and relentless attack earns another penalty in the 38th minute. This Steffan Castle converts closing the score to 13 – 15. Trebanos make a quick sortie into the home 22 before half time but no further score is achieved.

A long deep kick by Trebanos to start the second period, runs all the way over the dead-ball line and a scrum on the centre spot is the result. Ystalyfera gain possession but Trebanos steal a turnover, breaking thru into the tunnel corner for their third try scored by Rhodri Williams. This is converted by Luke Griffiths lifting the lead to 13 – 22. Trebanos now playing full of confidence seeking the 4th bonus try, drive into the changing room corner. Ystalyfera clear well however, outside half Gareth James completing an excellent line kick. Ystalyfera have to work hard to keep Trebanos out and give away a penalty for offside. This lets Trebanos continue their attack, another penalty for a high tackle giving Luke Griffiths the chance to increase the lead to 13 – 25 in the 54th minute. Ystalyfera then enter the visitor half and move up into the school corner. A well practiced catch and drive is then stopped on the visitor try-line. The ‘Fera pack win the ball and when played out the line winger Curtis Davies drops it. ‘Fera again win the ball in the scrum but give away a penalty for offside. A long kick allows the leaders to take a short line-out. Utilising the extra runners they drive over in the 62nd minute for the 4th bonus try, Rhodri Williams getting a hat-trick: score 13 – 30. Ystalyfera certainly do not give up and after the re-start attack Trebanos again. A penalty earns a 5m line-out but the visitor defence clear well back to midfield. The game is all with the ‘Fera now, Trebanos clearing the ball at every opportunity. In the 71st minute after hard pressing the referee awards Ystalyfera a penalty try after a deliberate knock on, this is converted by Gareth James: score 20 – 30. Working hard to pull back the score Ystalyfera pull out the stops, but Trebanos manage to weather the storm and no further score ensues.

This was a very hard fought game played by two very good sides. No quarter was given and the large crowd were entertained throughout. Despite a local derby no dirty play spoiled the event, and Trebanos won well to enhance their chance to top the league at the end of the season. Ystalyfera played very well considering the crush of fixtures at the end of the season.

 Penalty counts were 10 for Ystalyfera and 9 against;

4 for holding the ball after a tackle, 4 for offside and 1 high tackle.

Players
Gallery

There doesn't appear to be any tagged photos.

Upload and Tag Photos