Fixture

Ystalyfera RFC | 1st Team 36 - 15 Brynamman RFC | 1st Team
Cameron Miguel
Try 2
Gareth Jones
Try 1
Gareth James
Conversion 2
Steffan Castle
Conversion 1
Luc Caines
Try 2

Match Report
03 April 2019 / Team News

Ystalyfera 36 – 15 Brynamman

Home for the first time since January the 26th, Ystalyfera were looking to give the sizable crowd a good day of exciting rugby. The weather was responding, nice and warm with sunshine and no wind to interfere with proceedings. Opponents Brynamman were short of recognised props, and to avoid postponement it was agreed to commence with uncontested scrums. By the rules this meant Brynamman had to play with 14 men.

The visitors kicked off towards the sun at the Swansea end, winning the first penalty against Ystalyfera for holding the ball after a tackle. This was converted score: 0 – 3. A set of kicks back and fore by both sides after the restart, then saw Brynamman drop the ball. Alert Ryan James picked up and passed quickly to ‘Fera wing Luc Caines, who took advantage of the disruption in the Brynamman defence and dashed over for the first Ystalyfera Try in the 4th minute, Centre Gareth James converting to give Ystalyfera the lead 7 – 3. Ystalyfera began to use the sunshine by lifting the ball at every opportunity, until the ‘Fera forwards changed tack and made a drive up the centre. Brynamman in turn were able to steal the ball and kicked forward attempting a break thru. The ball fell however to Luc Caines who picked up speed and run out wide. He pushed off an attempted tackle and touched down the second ‘Fera Try in the 12th minute. This was not converted score: 12 – 3. Play resumed with Ystalyfera now making some smart passing and outside half Taylor Phillips making excellent line kicks. The Ystalyfera backs were hungry and were stretching the Brynamman defence looking for gaps. Their dogged defence was rewarded when, after a break into the home territory, they effectively powered into the Changing Room corner and touched down a try, this was well converted in the 25th minute, raising the score up to 12 – 10. The game returned to the Brynamman half, where Ystalyfera won their first penalty in the 28th minute for a high tackle. This moved play into the School corner, and the ‘Fera forwards were pleased to effect a well practiced catch and drive. The ever powerful “Rhino” Ryan James got the Try, Gareth James with the conversion score: 19 – 10. From the restart further penalties given away by Ystalyfera moved play into the Tunnel corner. Brynamman were now able to formulate attacks and Ystalyfera were hard pressed. Winning the contest the play returned to midfield where the referee ended the first period.    

Ystalyfera started the second half with Steffan Castle replacing full back Josh Jarrett. Looking for the bonus Try Ystalyfera attacked across the field. An eventual penalty moving play into the Changing room corner. Brynamman were defending to a man and Ystalyfera were persistent. Penalties awarded to both sides broke up play, Moving to the middle of the field, defences began to break up and it was Brynamman who gained the initiative in the 51st minute, racing up for their second Try. This was not converted score: 19 – 15. Ystalyfera strove to make amends and were soon back in the Changing room corner. This time the pressure was on, and after determined play by the ‘Fera forwards the resolute flanker Cameron Miguel got the bonus Try in the 55th minute, score: 24 – 15. It was all Ystalyfera now and from a line out where the ball moved to the middle of the field, the ever reliable prop Gareth Jones forced himself over for the fifth Try in the 62nd minute, score: 29 – 15. The return to the Ystalyfera half was very short, play returning to the Brynamman 5m line. Pressure continued with Ystalyfera controlling a tight game up front. This gave Brynamman no space and in the 74th minute Cameron Miguel repeated a push over Try which Steffan Castle converted leaving a final score of 36 – 15.    

Not put off by the requirement to play with uncontested scrums from the beginning, Ystalyfera showed their determination, skill and resilience to defeat a well drilled Brynamman side. The price of any lack of concentration was obvious when the visitors found gaps on two occasions, but the patience and determination of this good Ystalyfera side is most apparent, and explains why they sit at the top of the table.   .

The penalty counts were 9 for Ystalyfera and 12 for Brynamman.

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