Fixture

In dry conditions and a setting sun, Ystalyfera took on Bonymaen in the penultimate home fixture. The visitors kicked off towards the school end, and the first scrum was decisive for Ystalyfera, getting the first penalty. From the first line out the ‘Fera move the ball out only to knock on. Bony surged back and set up a line out in the Garage corner. Winning the ball, Ystalyfera outside half Gareth James puts in an excellent line kick. Good forward play helps the home side move into the visitors half, only for Ystalyfera to give away their first penalty. Both sides pass the ball well, looking for gaps in their opponents defence, and patience by Bonymaen eventually creates an opportunity in the 14^th minute, when an overlap gets the first Try, not converted: score  0 – 5. From the restart, the game moves to the Changing Room corner, where Ystalyfera work a line out. Missing the chance, a drop out by Bonymaen travels all the way to the home dead ball line. A deep kick is fielded by ‘Fera winger Josh Jarrett. He skilfully weaves his way thru the Bony defence and after a quick re-cycle regains the ball to dive over for a Try, dangerously tackled on the line. This conversion is also missed leaving a 5 – 5 score after 20 minutes. Ystalyfera continue to search for openings in the Bonymaen half, and apply some pressure in the Tunnel corner. Eventually Bony break out and speedily move into the ‘Fera half. Play by both sides continues to be quite fluid, and whilst the game is very open, Bonymaen seem to be better structured. This shows in the 37^th minute when neat passing opens a gap and the visitors run in their second Try. This was converted: score 5 – 12. From the restart, ‘Fera full back Steffan Castle boots a high clearance, and charging the catcher he tackles in the air. This earns a penalty and a stern reprimand from the referee. Bony now looking confident, raise the pace at the end of the half and dash in their third Try, this also converted, leaving a half time score of 5 – 19.   

The sun having now set, Ystalyfera resume proceedings. From a line out Bonymaen raise a chase towards the ‘Fera tryline, Josh Jarrett having to clear well. Bonymaen certainly start with the greater confidence, and in the 44^th minute run in the fourth bonus Try, closely followed by the 5^th, Ystalyfera looking ‘frozen in the headlights’. This latter score is also converted: score 5 – 31. With the match now losing some cohesion, play is totally open with much open space, and individual mistakes are being made by both sides. Ystalyfera do begin to organise a small comeback, and in the 66^th minute skilful play by winger Dafydd Thomas rewards him with a Try in the school corner, this converted by Gareth James: score 12 – 31. After the restart Bonymaen break through after some loose ‘Fera passing: score 12 – 36. Ystalyfera continue to try and redress the situation, but losing the ball again in the 74^th minute, Bonymaen run through their seventh Try and fourth conversion, leaving an eventual final score of 12 – 43 to the visitors.

With the task of two matches per week for the last month of the season, this looked like one game too far for Ystalyfera. Having no added pressure on either side to need a victory, both teams kept the ball very fluid, attempting to run the ball over the line at every opportunity.

Penalty counts were 8 for Ystalyfera and only 4 against;

1 for holding man/ball after a tackle, 1 for crossing, 1 for hands on floor and 1 high tackle.