Fixture

A week after meeting the league leaders Bonymaen at home, Ystalyfera entertained second place contenders Skewen at Ynysydarren.

Kicking off downhill towards the sun and against a slight breeze, the ‘Fera started well – moving the ball and seeking the chance of a breakthrough. Skewen were well organised however, and they in turn sought gaps of their own.  5 minutes of ‘parrying’ ended with a penalty for offside in a kickable position awarded to the visitors – outside half Anthony Busselli converting, score 0 – 3. Ystalyfera forwards re-started their attacks, and a good advance toward the changing room corner was supplemented with penetration by the backs in centre field. Unfortunately, a penalty given away for holding the ball too long saw Skewen break out of defence, and quick collection of the ball followed by fast movement allowed flanker Wayne Mitchell to score the first Try in the top corner. This was not converted – score 0 – 8 on 16 minutes. Moments after the re-start a ‘scuffle’ took place amongst the opposing forwards, ‘Fera hooker Daniel Williams being SinBinned for the trouble. Not disheartened Ystalyfera attacked once again and after a ‘catch + drive’ line out were unlucky for the attempted break by the backs to fall down. The game was now quite open with excellent rugby being played by both sides. Determined drives by the home side were being penalised for extra enthusiasm, fairness being called upon by the ‘Sheddie’ supporters. Skewen began to use the slight breeze and kick for position out of their half. The ‘Fera continued to move the ball across the field and 4 minutes into added on time Skewen found a gap, centre Cameron Morris runing in the second Try under the posts which was converted.

Half time score 0 – 15 to the visitors.

The second half began with fractious ‘stop – start’ play by both sides, the penalty count growing against Ystalyfera. Hooker Daniel Williams had to leave the field on a stretcher following a severe ‘rib’ injury. Not put off the ‘Fera played with the same aggression, attempting to force a gap in the Skewen defence. This patience eventually won through, a break out in the 50^th minute allowing the third Try for Skewen winger Mathew Williams. The conversion was missed – score 0 – 20. Confidence for the home side now began to wane whilst the visitors were buoyed. 2 minutes later a direct run down the middle earned Skewen a fourth Try again by centre Cameron Morris – this converted. In the 55^th minute the same thing occurred and Mathew Williams scored his second, this converted by the Skewen substitute outside half Jamie Kirkhouse. Score was now 0 – 34 to the visitors and Ystalyfera were striving for damage limitation. A penalty in centre field in the 63^rd minute developed into a 22 metre scrum, from which Fera No8 Steffan Jones broke away and scored a consolation Try. This was converted by Gareth James – score 7 – 34.  Ystalyfera still continued to win some ball but the game was now much to open and in additional time Skewen ran in another two Trys, both converted by Jamie Kirkhouse leaving a final score of 7 – 48 to the visitors.

A difficult game for Ystalyfera against a very well organised side Skewen. The final score did not reflect the home side team effort but did emphasise the differences between the top and bottom of Division One.