Fixture

Maesteg Celtic RFC | 1st Team 19 - 49 Ystalyfera RFC | 1st Team
Matthew Harris
Conversion 1
Penalty 4
Neil Sainsbury
Try 1
Luc Caines
2 Try
Martyn Davies
1 Try
Gareth James
4 Conversion
2 Penalty
Scott Scott.gibson259@gmail.com Gibson
2 Try
Steffan Rhys Jones
1 Try
Nathan Cornelius
1 Try

Match Report
09 October 2016 / Team News

Measteg Celtic 19 - 49 Ystalyfera

The First Round fixture of the National Plate competition was at Division Two West Central side Maesteg Celtic. Conditions were perfect for fast clean running rugby and so it turned out. Ystalyfera kicked off and after a return of the ball, the first scrum generated a penalty for offside in the 3rd minute, which the home outside half Mathew Harris converted – score 3 – 0. Re-starting, the ‘Fera broke out into midfield and a return penalty was quickly taken, allowing scrum half Scott Gibson to score the first try. This was converted by Gareth James in the 6th minute – score 3 – 7. Ystalyfera were setting a fast pace, Maesteg Celtic struggling to keep any possession. Forced to try thru kicks, the ‘Fera back three were fielding well. In the 11th minute the home side were awarded a second penalty after a player was illegally held on the floor. This was converted by Mathew Harris – score 6 – 7. Ystalyfera continued to attack, moving the ball across the field, an unlucky forward pass preventing a certain score. Starting excellent moves from the back, ‘Fera kept penetrating the home defence. Desperate tackles ensued, penalties being awarded in the 15th and 19th minutes. Converted by Gareth James, the score lifted to 6 – 13. Finally in the 25th minute, centre Luc Caines ran in a commendable try, this not being converted – score 6 – 18. A penalty for talking at the referee allowed Mathew Harris to kick a third penalty in the 28th minute. From the restart, ‘Fera were awarded a penalty again taken quickly, letting Luc Caines get his second try in the 30th minute. Maesteg Celtic were now in tatters, and in the 33rd minute useful centre Martin Davies ran in his first try for the club. Both of these were converted by Gareth James raising the score to 9 – 32. Flanker Jesse Patton left the field before half time with an injury, Tom Lewis his replacement.

The second half began with Maesteg Celtic having a degree of possession, keeping the game on the Ystalyfera 22 with a series of scrums. In the 45th minute this was rewarded with Mathew Harris kicking over a drop goal. Back on the attack Ystalyfera sought to increase their lead, the contest starting to lose shape for both sides. In the 60th minute Maesteg were forced to call for passive scrums. This added to the disruption until the ‘Fera backs ran the ball out the line at speed, centre Jonathan Bayliss making a superb inside pass to Scott Gibson for the 5th try, Gareth James converting – score 12 – 39. Now mainly playing out of defence, an opportunity for a run from the back of a scrum allowed ‘Fera captain Steffan Jones to score a try in the 74th minute. Maesteg forwards in turn lifted themselves in the 80th minute to score a consolation try by substitute Neil Sainsbury, converted by Mathew Harris. Score 19 – 44. Four minutes into added on time ‘Fera substitute Nathan Cornelius out paced the home defensive line to score the last try of the day. Final score 19 – 49.   

Taking the opportunity to select some different players and different positions in a cup game. Ystalyfera showed their strength in depth which new young players have brought to the club this season. The chance to run the ball at opponents in Division One is not easy, skill levels being high. Hope of a good draw in the next round can allow further opportunity and progress.

Penalty count was 12 for Ystalyfera, with 15 against;

3 for holding the ball, 4 in scrum, 3 offside, 4 not releasing in tackle and 1 for verbal abuse.

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