Fixture

With the need too pull away from the bottom end of the table, Ystalyfera saw this fixture as a chance to catch up on the visitors Builth Wells, especially after the close 7 – 9 result in the corresponding fixture back on 1^st November. Circumstances were not that favourable however, with six changes required to the ‘Fera side, and a near full strength selection possible for the visitors.

In sunny conditions with a slight wind from the South, Builth kicked off facing the Swansea end of Ynysydarren Park. An immediate line-out on the home 5 metre line saw the Builth No4 catch and drive with support over the ‘Fera try-line – score 0 – 5 after one minute! This was not converted. Both sides sought for an advantage and needless penalties were given away by Ystalyfera. In the seventh minute Builth forwards launched a determined attack and after a second catch and drive move, a flanker scored their second Try, again not converted – score 0 – 10.  Ystalyfera were not getting any supply of the ball to take advantage of the conditions, line-outs being the biggest problem.  In the fourteenth minute after being awarded a series of penalties, the ‘Fera got their first real attack in motion and good work by the pack took play close to the Builth line. Power play saw full back Ryan Evans bluster over for their first Try. This was converted by outside half Gareth James – score 7 – 10. The match now proceeded at a fast pace, both sides exchanging possession in the centre of the field.  Builth attempted to kick for position but Gareth James returned some good line-kicks. ‘Fera centre Jay Aspinwal was forced to leave the field after twenty minutes, substitute Hywel Evans taking his place. Five minutes later and the Builth No12 broke thru the home defence line to score the 3^rd Builth Try under the posts. This was converted for a 7 – 17 score. Control of the game was now surely with Builth Wells. Majority of the ball was with the visitors and in the thirty-first minute another break thru the middle of the backs saw the bonus fourth Try, dutifully converted – score 7 – 24. Desperation by Ystalyfera provided Builth Wells with a set of penalties and in the thirty seventh minute their fifth Try was scored 7 – 29. The ‘Fera took an opportunity in the last minute of the first half and after some pressure on the visiting try-line scrum half Tom Barry forced himself over for his 10^th Try of the season. Gareth James converted for a score-line at the break of 14 – 29.

Ystalyfera kicked off the second half looking to make some amends and started positively. A neck injury to a Builth prop however took the impetus. The game settled in a competition for control of the ball between the forwards in the middle of the Ystalyfera half of the field. Builth Wells to their credit slowly gained the initiative and two separate touchdowns were disallowed by the referee. At this point it was obvious that there would be no comeback by Ystalyfera. This was not for a want of effort however, and attempts by the pack were valiant but alas unrewarding. Further change to the score did not materialise until six minutes from the end. ‘Fera prop Jonathan Williams had been yellow carded and opting for the scrum, the ball was played out the visitor’s line with a return inside, and Try no6 for the Builth no14 brought the score to 14 – 34. This was unconverted, and after gathering the ball back from the re-start, the Builth scrum half tore thru the now hap-hazard ,Fera defence and  scored the seventh and .last Try of the match  This was converted giving a final game score of 14 – 41 to the visitors.

Ystalyfera were well beaten by a young and organised Builth Wells side. The ‘Fera forwards were not able to set up any platform for their backs to construct any meaningful attacks, and the ‘Fera defence in turn were unable to stop the Builth backs from breaking through. A three week stop should help Ystalyfera to sort things out and the important fixture at Seven Sisters will be the next chance to safeguard our position in Division One.