Fixture

Opening their new year fixtures Ystalyfera travelled to Tondu. The weather was low sun and cold, a fair wind blowing from corner to corner.

Ystalyfera kicked off with Tondu making the first knock-on, giving away the first penalty in the first scrum. ‘Fera outside-half and club leading points scorer Gareth James readily converted in the 2^nd minute: score 0 - 3. The restart took the game into the visitor half for the first time where Tondu missed their first penalty attempt. A set of testing field kicks by both sides settled the game in the middle of the field, where Ystalyfera formed an attack and wing Luc Caines was stopped. A further scrum continued the attack and an inside pass in the 7^th minute to lock Cameron Miguel saw him drive over for the first Try. This was converted by Gareth James: score 0 – 10. Tondu raised their game and made positive attacks looking to move toward the Ystalyfera 22, this earned a 35m penalty in the 11^th minute, centre Josh Tatchell opening their score 3 – 10. Attempting to keep the impetus, Tondu were thwarted however, the ‘Fera defence being very strong. The scrums were now beginning to turn in Ystalyfera’s favour, and gradually but surely possession of the ball was increasing for the away side. Tondu tried harder and after a determined and powerful effort by their forwards in the left hand corner, they managed with the use of line-outs and penalties to gain a push over Try in the 32^nd minute. This was followed up by a second penalty by Josh Tatchell in the last minute of the first half, leaving a half time lead of 11 – 10 for Tondu.

Tondu restarted with a free catch in the visitor half, followed by a penalty attempt which was missed. Ystalyfera now lifted their game and a superb line kick by centre Andrew “Shenko” Jenkins moved the game into the Tondu 22. Andy Llewellyn came on as a replacement prop, firing up the forward effort. From a 5m scrum, scrum half Nathan Cornelius darted thru for the second ‘Fera try in the 47^th minute: score 11 – 15. Ystalyfera now had positive impetus and with help from Gareth James utilising the breeze, play was lodged in the home 22. An attempt from a catch and drive was disallowed by the referee, and although Tondu took the opportunity to bring on fresh props, the continual pressure by the ‘Fera forwards stayed relentless. In the 53^rd minute the ball was played out from a scrum to centre Andrew Jenkins who ran in the 3^rd ‘Fera Try, this converted by Gareth James: score 11 – 22. Ystalyfera were now in total control, seeking the bonus point Try. ‘Fera were attacking right across the field with quick, neat and very effective passing between both sets of forwards and backs alike. The Tondu defence was torn apart and in the 60^th minute Luc Caines ran in the fourth Try: score 11 – 27. Ystalyfera continued the pressure and more slick passing in the 68^th minute allowed Nathan Cornelius to run in his second try of the game: score 11 – 32. A devastated Tondu were now at sixes and sevens, Ystalyfera breaking thru at every opportunity. In the 74^th minute flanker Ryan Lee James picked up a loose ball and raced over for the 6^th Try. With Gareth James being beaten by the swirling wind in the last two conversion attempts, substitute Steffan Castle took this one and he kicked over for a final score of 11 – 39 to the visitors.

With a much closer contest in the first half, Ystalyfera completely took over in the second with a very commendable demonstration of smart, fast passing, tearing the hapless Tondu defence apart. With important National Plate, West Wales Cup and Division One games to come, keeping this effort and confidence will serve the side well. Onwards and upwards!!!!

Penalty counts were;

10 for Ystalyfera – 3 scrum offences, 4 holding ball on floor, 2 offside and 1 not 10 yds.

10 for Tondu – 1 in scrum. 4 holding ball, 2 offside, 2 high tackles and 1 not 10 yds.