Fixture

Aberavon Quins RFC | 1st Team 15 - 24 Ystalyfera RFC | 1st Team
Marc Sheppard
Conversion 1
Penalty 1
Nathan Flynn
Try 1
Robbie Morgan
Try 1
Josh Jarrett
1 Try
Steffan Castle
3 Conversion
1 Penalty
Luc Caines
1 Try
Andrew David Jenkins
1 Try

Match Report
19 April 2018 / Team News

Aberavon Quins 15 –24 Ystalyfera

A dry ‘blue sky’ evening with a gusting breeze from the North East corner was the setting for this mid-week fixture away at Aberavon Harlequins. The Quins having only lost at home to Maesteg Quins, Bridgend Athletic and Bonymaen, expected to put up a good contest against the Ystalyfera 100% away record to date.

The hosts kicked off towards the West end, and quickly formed the first attack. The Ystalyfera defence hacked the ball off the field, giving the first home line out. Ystalyfera then gave away the first penalty for offside, and the Quins opted for an attacking position on the ‘Fera 5m line. A resulting knock on saw the first scrum well executed by the Ystalyfera forwards, the ball moving out the line at pace only for an unfortunate forward pass. ‘Fera possession was retrieved from a strong push on the next scrum in the 9th minute, prolific Try scorer Luc Caines cutting in from the wing to touch down under the posts for the first Try in the match. Outside half Steffan Castle converted leaving the score at 0 – 7. The game restarted in the Ystalyfera half, and following a feisty tussle for possession Aberavon were awarded a penalty in the 12th minute, centre Marc Sheppard converting: score 3 – 7. When play resumed, a set of kicks from both sides allowed Luc Caines to make another penetrating run, only to lose control. The Quins persisted with the boot, and attempted to breach the visitor’s defence using the gusting wind with another high kick. This time however, ‘Fera scrum half Andrew Jenkins collected the ball from behind both packs of forwards, and set up another race forward by the speedy Ystalyfera wingers. Aberavon tried to gain control but the surging ‘Fera back line was having none of that. Wing Josh Jarrett pulled away and crossed the line for the second Ystalyfera Try in the 19th minute. Steffan Castle converted an awkward kick: score 3 – 14. The match continued in the Ystalyfera half, Aberavon looking for gaps to force an opening, but nothing was being offered by the steady Ystalyfera defence. The ‘Fera now began to work the game, going thru the phases to gradually progress into the Quins half of the field. Winning a scrum on the Aberavon 22, a defending 5m line out saw an attempted clearance not find touch, and Ystalyfera made a full on assault. Getting a penalty in front of the posts, the drive from scrum option saw the referee disallowing a Try. Not dismayed the ‘Fera forwards attack again and scrum half Andrew Jenkins pushed thru the mass of players to reach over and score the third Ystalyfera Try in the 32nd minute. Again converted by Steffan Castle, the score lifted to 3 – 21. Aberavon Quins were now looking like ‘Rabbits in the headlights’, making handling errors and being caught in the rush of Ystalyfera players continually. The home side did manage in the event, to prevent any further damage before half time.

Ystalyfera started the second half, and from an immediate penalty for Aberavon, the Quins were able to break into the left side corner. A clean scrum saw the home side break out but a good defensive tackle allowed a clearance downfield. Ystalyfera broke away with Luc Caines but the ball was lost. Aberavon Quins winger Jordon Condon took advantage and surged between the loosely positioned Ystalyfera defences to run in the first Aberavon Quins Try in the 46th minute: score 8 – 21. Now with the wind advantage Ystalyfera set up in the home half. The Quins however were playing with much greater confidence, and the game rotated between either side of the field. Both Teams sought to score further and the contest was relentless. Men were feeling the pace and substitutes had to be employed, relieving exhausted players. In the 60th minute flanker Callum Papp was fouled by an Aberavon tackler, and Steffan Castle kicked the penalty lifting the ‘Fera lead to 8 – 24. Ystalyfera now increased their efforts to get that elusive bonus point Try.  Move after move was constantly parried by the un-giving Aberavon Quins side. The constant effort in midfield proved too much in the 78th minute, when Aberavon Quins broke upfield and scored their second Try, which was converted. The referee blew his whistle soon after the restart and the game ended with a 15 – 24 win for Ystalyfera.

A challenging game won by Ystalyfera with a determined effort by all the players. The first ever league ‘double’ over Aberavon Quins was well deserved, being thwarted of the elusive ‘bonus’ point. Still in the chase for possible league honours, minds must now focus on the next match, home versus Kenfig Hill next Saturday in our first meeting with the ‘Mulers’ this season.

The penalty counts were;

7 for Ystalyfera – 1 holding a tackled player, 1 High tackle, 3 in scrum, 1 illegal hands on the ball and 1 dangerous tackle.

9 for Aberavon Quins – 3 offside, 4 holding ball on floor, 1 in the lines out and 1 – 10yds.

 

Players Fixture player info not published.
Gallery

There doesn't appear to be any tagged photos.

Upload and Tag Photos