Fixture

Ystalyfera kicked off the last game of the season at Ynysydarren, with a slight wind behind and facing the school end. Immediately into the attack, Aberavon Quins steal the ball, play leveling out at halfway. Aberavon soon make their first assault into the Tunnel corner, but Damian James, back in his familiar outside half position, clears the ball well to the half way line. The Ystalyfera pack win the ball well in the scrum, but dropping a pass along the back line lets the visitor centre pick up and sprint downfield and score the first Try in the 8^th minute. Being converted score is 0 – 7. Ystalyfera forwards apply some pressure at the restart, forcing the Quins to kick off the field on the full. The home pack begins to establish control of the scrums, keeping possession of the ball with Ystalyfera. Pressure now on the visitors try-line, Aberavon are glad to put in a relieving clearance kick from a penalty. In the 21^st minute, a 22m penalty for offside allows the visitors to increase their lead 0 – 10. When play resumes, Aberavon Quins are full of confidence, but the ‘Fera pack regain control of the ball. 5m scrums in front of the Quins posts eventually sees Ystalyfera lose one against the head, and the Aberavon backs run the length of the field to score their second Try in the 33^rd minute, not converted score: 0 – 15. Play by both sides is quick and open, both sides looking to score Trys, A kick thru by ‘Fera full back Stephan Castle is badly directed however, and the visiting centres open up a gap and run thru another Try in the 36^th minute. This was converted: score 0 – 22. Ystalyfera begin to change their approach, and some concentration on 10 man rugby using their dominant pack, being aided by the James brothers at half back, pais dividends in the 40+4 minute, prop Dan White powering over a try with his forward teammates behind him. This was converted by Gareth James leaving a half time score of 7 – 22.  

Aberavon Quins started the second half hungry to finish the job. Applying pressure in the garage corner, their tactic was to move the ball quickly away from the forward contest and pass out along their back line. This proved effective and in the 45^th minute the bonus point Try was scored, with the conversion lifting the score to 7 – 29. From this point Ystalyfera stopped attempting to run the ball across the backline, and chose to attack from up front. The ‘Fera forwards clearly the strongest now began to wear down the visitors and working scrums and lineouts play grinded toward the Quins’ try-line. After persistent need to award penalties, the referee choose in the 55^th minute to award a penalty Try for Ystalyfera, this converted by Gareth James: score 14 – 29. Ystalyfera were looking for more, and playing close to their forwards the game was parked in the Aberavon Quins half. A 5m line out in the changing room corner with a switch on the angle of attack, resulted in an Aberavon yellow card. The loss of a forward offered little respite and a second penalty Try for Ystalyfera was awarded in the 72^nd minute. This was again converted by the prodigious Gareth James lifting the score to 21 – 29. From the restart the Quins surge into the ‘Fera half but the ball is stolen. An all out attack results in lock Cameron Miguel forcing over for the fourth ‘Fera Try in the 77^th minute. The conversion was not given by the referee leaving a tantalising 26 – 29 score with 2 minutes plus injury time left. As events pan out Aberavon chase the restart into the ‘Fera 22 where an illegal attempt to gain the ball gives the visitors a penalty. Taking their time to convert the game ends 26 – 32 for the visitors.  

This final game was in effect a synopsis of the season itself; Ystalyfera by far the strong side up front, dominating opponents, having to work hard to get results. Our backs learning life in Division One the hard way, but being young and eager quick to pick up on faults and growing into a good side. Onwards and upwards, we can look forward to the future with the side increasing in value both on and off the field.  .

Penalty counts were 17 for Ystalyfera and 6 against;

1 for high tackle, 1 in scrum and 4 offside.