Fixture

With the onset of cold frosty conditions the game at the South Parade playing fields was in danger of being postponed, the referee questioning the condition of the South-east corner. The captains of both sides however agreed that the game could continue.

Ystalyfera kicked off into the sun with no wind of any note. Starting at a hot pace the ’Fera were looking to move the ball quickly, and the Quins were forced to make some urgent line kicks out of defence. The game was quite open and in the 7^th minute at a line-out in the visitors half, the home side ran the ball along the full back line for winger Corey Healey to score the first Try in the corner. This was not converted 5 – 0.  Both sides continued to play open rugby with Ystalyfera pressing to redeem the score. A line-out close to the Maesteg try-line was worked into the centre of the field by the ‘Fera forwards where an infringement earned a penalty. This was converted by winger Damian James in the 15^th minute. This increased Damian’s record points total for the club to 1,801 in all competitions – a remarkable achievement. Motivated by this the Ystalyfera forwards began to gain advantage up front. However in the 26^th minute, against the run of play, the home side broke away quickly from a scrum, popping the ball to winger Ryan Lovett. He jinxed through the ‘Fera defence for the second try 10 – 3. The visitors continued the hard work, and a commendable drive at the Quins line was stopped short by the referee, giving a penalty to the home side. At the end of the half Maesteg took the initiative with positive attacks at the visitors’ try-line, but despite a set of line-outs and scrums nothing materialised.

Maesteg Quins taking their turn also started the second half at a quick pace, but Ystalyfera broke back and the forwards made an aggressive attack. The home side gave away penalties but the ‘Fera could not turn the advantage into points. The game centred in midfield until a surge by Maesteg had to be desperately defended by Ystalyfera. Both sides attempted to gain control and the supporters witnessed ‘end to end’ rugby. Substitutes were brought on by both sides injecting fresh legs into the contest and a Quins replacement Andrew Healey got their third try in the 58^th minute. This was converted by No10 Gareth Lewis – score 17 – 3. Whilst results were moving away from the visitors, Ystalyfera certainly were not giving up and a big effort by forwards and backs was made to gain ‘something’. Side to side movement sought advantage and in the 70^th minute try scorer Andrew Healey was red carded for punching within a maul. In the resultant furore the Maesteg scrum half was also yellow carded for words at the referee. The given penalty took Ystalyfera into the home 22 and from the line-out hooker Daniel Williams ran in a Try for the ‘Fera in the 75^th minute. Shortly after the re-start a penalty awarded to Maesteg was converted giving a score of 20 – 8. Ystalyfera had a lot to do despite playing against 13 men. The Quins themselves were galvanised by the reduction and on the re-start attacked with marked aggression which earned them their fourth and bonus winning try by lock Ryan Watkins. This was converted with the final score being 27 – 8.

Ystalyfera had attempted to play an open fast running game but became unstuck against a capable Maesteg Quins side, who showed why they won Division Two West last season.