Fixture

Having played the current Division leaders Bonymaen away on the 27^th December,  giving a good performance and a narrow defeat 3 – 8, Ystalyfera were hoping for similar fortune this time around in the return fixture.

In sunny conditions with a slight wind from the South, The visitors kicked off from the Swansea end of Ynysydarren Park. Early pressure by Bonymaen was countered by excellent defensive tackling. A number of penalties were given against both sides for offside and over eagerness, dogged play by Ystalyfera moving the game into the visitor half of the field. The Division leaders were in turn forced to display their defensive qualities. After 15 minutes a collapsing scrum on the 22 metre line offered a penalty to ‘Fera coach and outside half Gareth James, and he opened the scoring 3 – 0. Gareth expanded his contribution by completing some fine line kicks, keeping events in the Bonymaen end. On 20 minutes an aggressive attack by the home pack forced a drive at the Bonymaen line where hooker Daniel Williams broke through and score a Try close to the posts. This was gladly converted by Gareth James – score 10 – 0. With the game returning to center-field an effort to move the ball by the Bony forwards resulted in a penalty awarded against Daniel’s brother prop Jonathan Williams. This was converted by Outside half Paul Warlow in the 24^th minute, Jonathan being yellow carded. Nevertheless Gareth James continued to keep proceedings in the visitors half with effective use of the boot. Attempts by the Bonymaen backs to run the ball were being stifled by strong tackles from the home defence.  Veteran wing Damian James came close to an interception, only for the referee to award a penalty – much to the ‘loud’ disappointment of the home ‘Sheddie’ supporters. With only 2 minutes left of the first half an injury to Daniel Williams saw him leave the field, lock Jesse Patton being Sin-Binned at the same time for entering a ruck from the side. The resulting penalty was converted again by Paul Warlow leaving the score 10 – 6 at the break.

An exchange of positional kicks at the start of the second half ended with a penalty awarded to Ystalyfera for offside. Gareth James increasing the Ystalyfera lead to 13 – 6. The League leaders were now getting some criticism from their own supporters and this seemed to wake them up! The Bony forwards organised a strong attack and after moving the ball from the left across the field their Polish prop Kaijack scored their first Try under the posts. This was converted .by centre Paul Davis – score now 13 – 13. Ystalyfera were still in this game and from the re-start applied pressure of their own in the top ‘Garage’ corner of the field., Bonymaen seemingly lucky to be awarded a penalty – this relieving the onslaught. Attacks from the ‘Fera continued and a penalty for offside was missed by Gareth James. In the 53^rd minute a scrum in the center of the field was driven by Bonymaen earing them a penalty. This was well taken by Paul Warlow taking the visitors into the lead for the first time 13 – 16. Not giving up Ystalyfera were soon back in the ‘Garage’ corner, working a catch and drive move. Bonymaen however were again saved by a penalty decision.  The play was now with Ystalyfera and an incident saw Paul Warlow being yellow carded. The kickable penalty however was reversed by the referee after some backchat. The resultant long kick downfield earned Bonymaen a scrum close to the 22 metre line where useful scrum half Connor Salter dance his was thru for the second Bony Try under the posts. This was converted by Paul Davis. Score – 13 – 23 after 67 minutes. Bonymaen were now full of confidence whilst Ystalyfera were disheartened and short of substitutes. Having found the way Connor repeated his trick for another Try in the 76^th minute, this converted by substitute James Lewis. Never giving up Ystalyfera attempted another catch and drive on the Bony Try-line in added on time, this again being thwarted by a Bony penalty  Final score 13 – 30.

Ystalyfera showed great tenacity and determination only to be thwarted by poor discipline and  good opponents, much to be expected at this level in Division One..