Fixture

Mumbles RFC | 1st Team 34 - 35 Ystalyfera RFC | 1st Team
Steffan Castle
1 Try
Luc Caines
2 Try
Emyr Myers
1 Try
Gareth James
2 Conversion
2 Penalty
Steffan Rhys Jones
1 Try

Match Report
30 October 2016 / Team News

Mumbles 34 - 35 Ystalyfera

In cloudy conditions with little wind nor rain, Ystalyfera kicked off from the city side, in the 2nd Round Welsh Plate fixture down at Mumbles. Moving the ball rapidly along the back line testing for gaps, scrum half Nathan Corneilius received a knock on his ankle in the 7th minute and was forced to leave the field. Mathew Scott came on at centre and Liam Garland moved to scrum half. ‘Fera were powerful in the early scrums and pressed forward, only for the home side to break out of defence. A penalty attempt hit the post, and the follow up earned Mumbles another go in the 13th minute, outside half Adam Nicklin opening the score: 3 – 0. Ystalyfera attack from the restart and from a sharp line-out move, the ball is passed along the line. Good interplay between full back Steffan Castle and wing Luc Caines sees the latter run in the first ‘Fera try in the 17th minute. This was converted by outside half Gareth James – score: 3 – 7. An immediate catch and drive from a line out allows the ball to be run out to the other ‘Fera winger Emyr Myers who runs in the second ‘Fera try in the 21st minute, this not converted – score: 3 – 12. Mumbles respond and a five metre lineout is held by the ‘Fera pack, only for extra help by the Mumbles half backs to get a drive over the visitor try-line and a touchdown by lock and captain Geraint Fry in the 26th minute. Adam Nicklin converted – score: 10 – 12. Ystalyfera were now ‘caught in the headlights’ and the rejuvenated home side charged up-field from the restart, scrum half Harry Davies powering over the line for another try also converted – score: 17 – 12. The contest was now quite open between the sides and Ystalyfera used the space better, wing Luc Caines getting his second try in the 39th minute. The half time score 17 – 17.

Ystalyfera receiving the ball began the second period with an all out attack. The quicker ‘Fera backs again moved play along the line and Steffan Castle scored a fine try – score: 17 – 22. Field positioning now became fractious and in the 50th minute, Mumbles winger Matt Flyynn took advantage, running in the third home try. Being converted the score lifted to: 24 - 22. Four minutes later and a needless penalty given by the home side allowed Gareth James to regain the ‘Fera lead: 24 – 25. The constant change in the lead brought pressure on players and supporters alike. In the 66th minute a set of missed tackles by Ystalyfera allowed Adam Nicklin cross over for a try which he dutifully converted – score: 31 – 25. Ystalyfera were certainly not giving up and in the 70th minute captain Steffan Jones tore off the back of a lineout and touched down close to the posts, Gareth James converted – score: 31 – 32. Everyone were now conscious of the limited time remaining and Mumbles took advantage of a 75th minute penalty to retake the lead. Agonising for the home supporters Ystalyfera were awarded a penalty of their own in the 77th minute – Gareth James successful. Ystalyfera forwards now took charge of the ball and in added on time a Mumbles penalty chance arose from the daunting distance of 55 meters. Adam Nicklin tried his best but it was not to be and the Final score was: 34 – 35.   

This was an end to end exciting cup fixture with the lead being exchanged with virtually every score. Both teams were not holding back and the continued fast pace was complimentary to both sets of players. Many good sides remain in the 3rd Round, and a home draw would be much appreciated.

Penalty count was 8 for Ystalyfera, with 11 against;

1 for handling on floor, 3 over the top, 4 offside, 1 not releasing in tackle, and 2 side entry.

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