Fixture

Ystalyfera made their last trip of the season up to the town of Maesteg, to play the return League fixture at the Old Parish ground. Conditions were dry and cold, a sticky surface covering the field from rain the night before. Maesteg kicked off toward the Tesco end, their first testing kick being well cleared by ‘Fera full back Emyr Myers. The home team attempted to quickly run at Ystalyfera with their back division, but the visitors defence stood strong, the back row turning over possession more than once. Eight minutes into proceedings and Ystalyfera were awarded a kickable penalty which outside half Gareth James dutifully converted, opening the score at 0 – 3. The hard working ‘Fera forwards were now starting to control affairs, earning a scrum in a Maesteg corner of the field. The chance was lost however thanks to a penalty for hands on the ball. The game continued in the Maesteg half with a brief period close to the half way line. In the 26^th minute a quick ball from a scrum allowed Gareth James to punt the ball into an open space, sharp thinking centre Jonathan Bayliss rushed thru to collect and a dart over the tryline saw the first try to Ystalyfera. This was converted by Gareth lifting the score to 0 – 10. Ystalyfera now upped the pace and a catch and drive move in the Maesteg half saw one of the home props get a yellow card from the referee. Both sides were now playing open rugby, trying to dominate possession of the ball over their opponents. A move by their backs in the Ystalyfera half presented Maesteg with the chance of a return penalty, which centre Aled Davies converted in the 36^th minute; score 3 – 10. The first half ended with Ystalyfera applying pressure, a break from a lineout being unlucky.

Ystalyfera kicked off the second half and gained possession immediately. Maesteg forwards rectified, and effected a turnover, setting the contest in the visitors half of the field. The home side displayed some purpose, being encouraged by their supporters in the main stand. A commendable move executed by their backs saw Maesteg score a good Try in the 44^th minute, centre Aled Davies touching down and converting to level the score at 10 – 10. The home team were now playing with more confidence, and the open game continued. Ystalyfera continued to gather their share of possession and a break by the backs was thwarted with a forward pass. As usual the ‘Fera scrum was strong, and Maesteg forwards had to work hard to keep parity. Events progressed as a contest for control of the ball in midfield. The cold conditions saw a number of handling errors by both sides, Ystalyfera getting a commendable second penalty kicked by Gareth James in the 68^th minute. This galvanised the home side who now attempted to lift their effort and recover the deficit. Ystalyfera responded looking for gaps in the Maesteg attack. The Ystalyfera forwards were still delivering the ball from the set piece, and a set of scrums in the Maesteg 22 saw Gareth James take advantage of a quick rush by the home back line. As previously he chipped the ball over the advancing line and again Jonathan Bayliss ran thru, collected and scored another Try. This was converted by substitute kicker Steffan Castle in the 79^th minute: score 20 – 10. Additional time was added on by the referee following injuries, and Aled Davies got a second penalty to leave a final score of 13 – 20 to Ystalyfera.

 Both sides provided an entertaining clean game of rugby, not easy on the sticky pitch in cold conditions. Ystalyfera controlled long periods and effectively out played the home side, who in turn did not give up and tried hard to gain the lead which never materialised.

 Penalty counts were 9 for Ystalyfera and 8 against;  2 hands on the floor, 2 offside, 2 scrum offences, and 2 failing to release after a tackle.