Fixture

Ystalyfera travelled up the Rhondda Valley visiting the ‘Oval’ in Treorchy This the 2^nd Round of the Welsh National Plate. Whilst dry there was a cold breeze across the pitch from the North West.

Ystalyfera kicked off towards the South, and Treorchy ran the ball out of defence. Some indifferent tackling immediately allowed Centre John Lloyd to run in an easy Try which Outside-Half and Captain Jordan Lloyd converted in the 2^nd minute: score 7 – 0. From the re-start ‘Fera Outside-Half Gareth James did an excellent line-kick allowing a line out on the home 22. The ‘Fera forwards followed up with a hard attacking drive, only stopped by a penalty. Regaining the ball Ystalyfera won a penalty in the Treorchy half, this attempt missed by Full Back Steffan Castle. The power of the ‘Fera scrum was already winning penalties and in the 13^th minute, a catch and drive attack allowed Prop Jonathan Williams to force himself over for the first ‘Fera Try: score 7 – 5. Treorchy attacked from the re-start and from a penalty and a Catch and drive effort, the Ystalyfera defence kept them out. Both sides were testing the effect of the breeze, but the outcome was somewhat unpredictable. In the 25^th minute Jordan Lloyd put over a further penalty lifting the lead to 10 – 5. This encouraged the home side who carried out further attacks, attempting to link their forwards and speedy backs. Ystalyfera had to tackle without mercy and in the 30^th minute the useful and Treorchy record points scorer Jordan Lloyd gained another penalty: score 13 – 5. Ystalyfera Centre Ryan Lee James had to leave the field with a shoulder injury and Josh Jarrett came on. The effective Ystalyfera forwards now took the game by the scruff and a determined effort was made to effect a change. This they achieved with the use of scrums, penalties and line outs. A home prop was yellow carded for persistent lifting and after being pushed over their tryline the home pack infringed and the referee awarded a penalty Try: Half time score 13 – 12.

Treorchy kicked off the second period still with a man short, but over exuberance by Ystalyfera gave away another penalty. This was punished by the efficient and accurate kicking of Jordan Lloyd: score 16 – 12. The home side attempted to utilise their young fast backs to increase the lead beyond their visitors reach, but long chasing balls were being fielded most positively by Steffan Castle. In the 50^th minute Ystalyfera were caught offside and Jordan Lloyd punished again: score 19 – 12. Treorchy forwards were most obviously in some disarray, their pack being moved around looking for some relief. This was not coming and another yellow card was awarded. The Ystalyfera forwards now took control and they mounted a full on attack. The ball was released to Steffan Castle who burst thru the home defence only to be stopped illegally. The penalty allowed the ‘Fera pack to drive over the home try-line where Captain Steffan Jones scored the third Try. This was converted by Steffan Castle in the 58^th minute: score 19 – 19. Ystalyfera were now on the ascendancy and pressure was on the home side. From the back of a scrum in the 66^th minute, the ball came out and wing Luc Caines had come inside to power over for a fourth Try. This again was converted by Steffan Castle: score 19 – 26. Treorchy were not giving up and they attempted to lift their game but the ‘Fera forwards were too strong. The Treorchy backs kept at it, passing across the field and switching play. A quickly taken penalty saw a disallowed Try in the corner. With time ticking away a Try came in the 83^rd minute, the conversion being missed: score 24 – 26. An attempt to recover the ball at the restart saw Ystalyfera gain a penalty. This was kicked off-field but play continued. Treorchy won possession and from a line out the Ystalyfera Nemesis Jordan Lloyd kicked over an excellent drop goal, thus winning the game 27 – 26 in the 88^th minute.   

Ystalyfera were certainly the stronger and more experienced side, but Treorchy won the game with their refusal to be defeated, the biggest factor being the contribution by Outside Half and Captain Jordan Lloyd.

Pens For Ystalyfera  11                  Pens for Treorchy:  10