Fixture

Both sides were looking to start the season positively, ‘Fera putting in some strong initial attacks. Many small errors were being made by both sides, giving a stop-start affair. Vardre offered their first meaningful effort in the 20^th minute, and whilst not attempting two earlier penalty attempts, Ystalyfera took the lead in the 28^th minute, Outside Half Gareth James converting from centre-field. A try scoring chance was then wasted, the backs kicking the ball thru when a three man overlap existed. In the 32^nd minute Gareth again kicked a penalty 2 metres closer than the first, lifting the score to 0 – 6. Just 3 minutes later and steady pressure saw ‘Fera backs break thru with some fine passing between wing Bowdy Davies and Full Back Steffan Castle. Steff scored the first try of the season and Gareth James converted. Score 0 – 13 ending at half time.

An early penalty after the re-start saw Richard Brunton get 3 points for Vardre in front of the posts.  Ystalyfera were soon back on the attack and working thru the forwards, the ball moved out to the left where flanker Jesse Patton scored the second Try in the 48^th minute, Gareth James again converted – score 3 – 20. Vardre were now broken despite valiant efforts, and straight after the re-start Jesse powered his way thru the Vardre defence to score his second Try, three minutes after his first. Gareth effected his third conversion lifting the score to 3 – 27. Ystalyfera were now looking to spread the ball at every opportunity. A catch and drive line out close to the home try-line saw the prodigious prop Jonathan Williams get the 4^th Try in the 68^th minute, Gareth James again converting – score 3 – 34. The game finished quite open, speedy wing Josh Jarrett running in the final Try for the visitors in the 76^th minute, Steffan Castle converting this one. Final score 3 – 41.  

Penalty count was;

13 committed by Vardre and 17 by Ystalyfera.

Fera breakdown was 4 for holding ball/player on floor, 5 over the top, 2 line out errors, 1 foul play and 5 offside.

An exuberant referee saw a high penalty count for both sides in what was not a dirty contest. Both teams attempted to keep the ball moving and the fast pace at this early stage of the season was commendable.