Fixture

Following overnight rain the Aberavon Quins ground-staff worked to clear the pitch of surface water before kick off, no wind thus left conditions wet and sticky. Ystalyfera started proceedings towards the clubhouse, putting a big push on the first scrum, only for a penalty awarded to the home side. The Quins attempted a move off their first line out but the ‘Fera defence stood true. Both sides began kicking for position, events settling mainly in the Ystalyfera half of the field. In the 12^th minute, Aberavon Quins’ outside half Mark Sheppard converted the first penalty, awarded for a short arm tackle on the 22m line. A heavy rain shower now began to fall and Ystalyfera drove for the home try line in their first attack. Pressure remained in the Quins half with the forward battle intense. The ‘Fera began to gain advantage and were rewarded with the first penalty for Gareth James in the 29^th minute. The sunshine now came out and Ystalyfera backs attempted to move the ball quickly. This earned a second penalty for Gareth James in the 36^th minute, a further scrummage offence by the home side letting the third penalty before half time – score  3 – 9.

Four minutes into the second half and a penalty awarded for kicking into a maul was missed by the Quins. Ystalyfera were on the defensive, the home side attempting to raise their efforts to reclaim the lead. In the 47^th minute a high kick down the centre was fielded well by full back Steffan Castle, calling the mark. A shout to play the ball quickly down the left flank was misinterpreted however, and a poor pass attempt allowed Quins winger Jack Dacey (on his 21^st birthday), to intercept and run in a try under the posts. Converted by Sheppard, this put the home side back into the lead 10 – 9. Play returned to midfield and in the 50^th minute, another penalty by Gareth James swayed the lead back to the ‘Fera 10 – 12. The contest was now in full flow, Steffan Castle making a penetrating attack, his pass to Jonathan Bayliss resulting in a high tackle by the Quins winger who was yellow carded. The Ystalyfera forwards intensified their effort, Quins in turn responding. The conditions increased the number of knock ons and forward passes, the volume of scrums being high. A yellow card for Jonathan Bayliss on 68 minutes saw the home side kick themselves back into the lead 13 – 12, only for Gareth James to kick his 5^th penalty three minutes later 13 – 15. The home supporters were now very vociferous, looking to steal the result with a final effort. This came in the form of a simple penalty in the last minute. Final score 16 – 15.   

The condition of the field was never going to let the game become an exhibition of free flowing rugby, but both sides put in great efforts to gain a victory. Whilst Aberavon Quins started the game at the top of the league table, ‘Fera proved themselves with a strong, powerful performance, the little differences falling in favour of the home side on this occasion.

Penalty count was 14 for Ystalyfera, with 11 against;

          2 for holding the ball, 4 in scrum, 3 high tackles, 1 dangerous kick and 1 for verbal abuse.