Fixture

Maesteg Celtic RFC | 1st Team 5 - 27 Ystalyfera RFC | 1st Team
Shaun David Raymond
Try 1
Gareth James
1 Drop Goal
1 Try
Robat White
1 Try
Steffan Rhys Jones
1 Try
Steffan Castle
3 Conversion
1 Penalty

Match Report
12 April 2019 / Team News

Maesteg Celtic 5 – 27 Ystalyfera

Ystalyfera travelled to Garth Park in Maesteg for a mid-week re-arranged Division One League fixture on 10th April 2019. The conditions were dry and a blue sky, the sun setting behind the posts on the opposite side to the Clubhouse..

Maesteg Celtic were relying on a big physical side, which did not phase Ystalyfera in any way. The first half was a well contested affair, both sides looking to assert control of possession. The result was a close encounter up front, both sides giving as well as each other. Ystalyfera broke the deadlock in the 15th minute when outside half Gareth James broke thru with a neat sidestep for the first Try under the posts, full back Steffan Castle converting: score  0 – 7. Chances were being lost with handling errors, and the Celtic forwards upped their game taking play at Ystalyfera. Penalties helped to bolster the home side and after working into the corner, wing Shaun Raymond broke off a maul to score for the home side: score  5 – 7. Play continued with both sides looking for mistakes, the half ending with a penalty conversion by Steffan Castle: score  5 – 10.

The second half continued as a test of strength, patience and opportunity. The ‘Fera forwards began to display their dogged determination which has been one of the biggest assets this season. Scrums and lineouts powered the side to the Maesteg Celtic tryline where prop Robat White touched down for the second Try. This was converted by Castle; score  5 – 17. Keeping the game in the home half Gareth James added a drop goal in the 50th minute: score  5 – 20.  Maesteg Celtic were not giving up and they came back, working hard to redeem the score. The Ystalyfera defence however, as shown on numerous times this season, was most resilient. Time and time again Celtic plugged away but Ystalyfera did not crack. The ‘Fera in turn had opportunities and in the 76th minute Captain and Number 8 Steffan Jones got the third Try, again converted by Steffan Castle: score – 5 – 27. Ystalyfera were now looking for the additional bonus point and a speedy burst thru up the touchline in added on time was stopped by the home linesman. .   

Expecting a difficult encounter due to Maesteg Celtic’s fight against relegation, Ystalyfera made a steady, concentrated effort, using their recognised advantages to earn a deserved result.

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