Fixture

Ystalyfera RFC | 1st Team 29 - 10 Resolven RFC | 1st Team
Josh Jarrett
Try 1
Steffan Castle
Conversion 3
Penalty 1
Steffan Rhys Jones
Try 1
Luc Caines
Try 1
Callum Papp
Try 1

Match Report
12 April 2018 / Team News

Ystalyfera 29 –10 Resolven

Needing to play out our remaining League fixtures, Ystalyfera entertained Resolven at Ynysydarren on a wet surface amid humid conditions.  

Ystalyfera kicked off towards the Swansea end, getting the first line out on the half way line. The first scrum showed Ystalyfera positive intent, and the game moved into the Resolven half. With both sides getting used to the slippery conditions, early play oriented in the middle of the field, with plenty of knock-ons and scrums. Gradually Ystalyfera moved into the visitors 22, and a positive attack developed in the changing room corner. Resolven had to defend difficult scrum advances, ‘Fera flanker Callum Papp quickly catching his opponents trying to break out. Utilising the backs to move play centre-field, a scrum under the posts allowed Callum Papp to pick up and score the first Try in the 24th minute, which outside half Steffan Castle converted: score 7 – 0. Immediately after the restart, Resolven outside half Steff Lewis got the first penalty chance at the Ystalyfera posts, and narrowly missed. Resolven, boosted by this chance made their first positive attack, but the Ystalyfera backs stole the ball and moved from left to right across the field. This allowed wing and top Try scorer Luc Caines to run in his 12th of the season, lifting his personal record to 60 points.The redoubtable Steffan Castle again converted lifting the score to 14 – 0. Ystalyfera now upped the pace and began to move the ball across their backs. Wing Bowdy Davies impressed with his ball juggling and retention skills, and the Resolven defenders became a little desperate to keep the ‘Fera out. Relying upon the boot to clear their lines, the Ystalyfera attacks continued up to the last minute of the half, when a kickable penalty was conceded to Stephan Castle. He dutifully ended proceedings at 17 – 0.

After receiving the restart, Ystalyfera applied a kick and chase which was stopped with a Resolven penalty. Being in control, Ystalyfera kept the game open, looking to further the score. Resolven did not give up, and they effected some positional changes. This allowed the visitors to keep possession in the home half of the field. A line out on the ‘Fera 22 and a catch and drive, earned a 5m scrum. A further line out saw Resolven play the ball out quickly and in the 60th minute, centre Darren Bowen run in a Try which was converted by Steff Lewis, leaving the score at 17 – 7. Ystalyfera made immediate substitutions, and from a scrum a neat chip by Steffan Castle allowed Bowdy Davies to pop the ball up for the speedy ‘Fera centre Josh Jarrett to run in the third Try: score 22 – 7. Resolven came back on the attack and Ystalyfera had to show their defensive quality, driving play up the middle via their strong forward unit. Wanting the bonus Try, this came in the 74th minute, Captain and No8 Steffan Jones getting his now ‘signature’ push over Try under the posts. Steffan Castle converted lifting the score to 29 – 7. Resolven continued to work hard, wanting to increase their points total. The game had now become somewhat sporadic however, and after a burst into the home 22, a set of scrums on the Ystalyfera 5m line ensued. Penalties and further resulting scrums saw the referee issue yellow cards to the ‘Fera props, until one of the Resolven front row sustained a neck injury. Having to wait for an ambulance before the last two minutes could be played, Resolven decided to convert the penalty instead, and the game ended with a score of 29 – 10.

Ystalyfera returned to the league campaign fielding a re-arranged team. This allowed specific players to have more time on the field, and everyone performed well, getting the target of a bonus win to keep in tandem with other contending sides. All outstanding fixtures have now been set, and the challenge is on to finish this remarkable season on a high.

The penalty counts were remarkably;

5 for Ystalyfera – 1 holding ball when on the floor, 3 offside and 1 not releasing after a tackle.

15 for Resolven – 2 offside, 4 holding ball on floor, 1 high tackle, 3 holding player in tackle, 2 in from side, 1 over the top, 1 line-out offence and 1 abuse at the referee.

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