Fixture

The first game of the 2015-16 season saw Ystalyfera pitted against Maesteg Harlequins. ‘The Quins’ had finished in respectable 5^th place in the last campaign, achieving a ‘League double’. Conditions were very good with little wind and a dry, soft surface.

Ystalyfera began the first half playing up from the ‘Swansea’ end, Maesteg kicking off. After a spell to gain control of the ball the home backs broke out, being stopped close to the visitors try-line in the ‘garage’ corner of the field. Contest in the line-out saw a penalty awarded to Ystalyfera, Outside half Gareth James kicking over in the 4^th minute  3 – 0. The ‘Fera continued to apply the early pressure and a strong attack by the forwards saw hooker Daniel Williams burst through to score the first Try of the season in the 8^th minute – this was not converted   8 – 0. Maesteg Quins re-started looking to re-dress the situation, attempting to formulate positive attacks. The ‘Fera defensive line however was holding firm. The game now developed into a mid-field competition, both sides attempting to gain dominance over each other. In the 23^rd minute some quick passing after a fielding catch by full back Emyr Myers, allowed a speedy run up the touchline by wing Gavin Williams. Interplay looked promising only for a change of possession as the result of a poor pass. Quins now took advantage of the dis-array and Captain/Lock Steve Williams surged forward to get their first Try. This was converted by scrum half Joe Symmons   8 – 7. Poor ball handling continued between the Ystalyfera players putting the side under pressure. The visitors took advantage and generated moves against the ‘Fera centre-backs. Throwing the ball out their line, winger Geraint Evans cut inside in the 32^nd minute scoring Try number two. This was again converted by Joe Symmons putting Maesteg in the lead  8 - 14. A dropped ball after the re-start by the same winger saw the Quins miss an easy chance to extend the lead. The resultant scrum however earned a penalty for the visitors, ‘Fera prop Jonny Williams being yellow carded. The kick was taken by the scrum half in the 38^th minute. Ystalyfera were not giving up and a purposeful strong effort was put in by the side but to no avail. Half-time score ended 8 – 17 to the visitors.

Ystalyfera kicked off the second half and Maesteg Quins sought to carry on where they had left off. Bad ball control by ‘Fera continued but the sides effort was unflinching. Slowly and surely the home forwards crept closer to the away try-line. A line out allowed the classic ‘catch and drive’, straight towards the new score-board, and the second Ystalyfera Try was scored by prop Dan White in the 51^st minute. This was converted by Gareth James  15 – 17. The match was now an open competition, ‘Fera forwards playing more aggressively. Maesteg Quins were forced to make substitutions and began to lose their shape. After a punishing attack across the field Emyr Myers rolled over into the corner for the third ‘Fera try in the 65^th minute. This difficult conversion was just missed by Gareth James  20 – 17. Mouthing at the referee saw Ystalyfera get a penalty at the re-start, Gareth James with a long line-kick keeping the pressure on the away side. A big effort now ensued against the Quins, only occasional penalties relieving the situation. A 75^th minute penalty was missed by Gareth James, and the match finished with Ystalyfera not getting the elusive 4^th bonus try.

In warm conditions Ystalyfera showed their determination from the outset. Despite some pit-falls the players did not relent and maintained great efforts to ensure a first win of the season.