Fixture

Ystalyfera faced Division Two Cwmavon in the First Round of the Welsh Plate home at Ynysydarren. Weather was sporadic clouds with no rain, the field slightly sticky underfoot.

Cwmavon kicked off towards the Swansea end into a slight breeze. The first scrum gave the ‘Fera the first penalty, followed by a good line kick by outside half Steffan Castle. Cwmavon began to run out of defence and with help of a penalty set up their first attack in the Changing Room corner. Quick hands gave an attacking winger a chance but the ‘Fera defence bundle him into touch. The ball is cleared by Steffan Castle from behind the Try-line and Cwmavon continued to press. Another chance is lost however by a dropped ball. Ystalyfera were certainly off to a slow start but the home scrums were starting to take effect. From a line-out on half way, Ystalyfera work the ball inside, and a neat pass by Captain Steffan Jones sees lock forward Jesse Patton cross over for the first Try in the 13^th minute. This is converted by Steffan Castle: 7 – 0. This wakes the ‘Fera up and from the restart a determined attack is launched into the visitors 22. A penalty into the Garage corner 5m line, allows the ‘Fera to apply forward pressure. In the 18^th minute a scrum is powered over the line and No8 Steffan Jones gets the second Try. This converted for the score: 14 – 0.  Ystalyfera continue in the ascendancy, Cwmavon being unlucky with an interception chance. In the 23^rd minute Ystalyfera charge forward again and a Cwmavon player is yellow carded. Steffan Castle kicks over the resultant penalty: score 17 – 0. Cwmavon do not give up and from the restart make a penetrating attack. The Ystalyfera defence however stands strong, and while Cwmavon strive hard to score, the ‘Fera stop everything attempted up until half time.   

Ystalyfera start the second half and Cwmavon attempt to maintain the impetus set at the end of the previous half. Moving the ball quickly across the field, they look for a gap but the ‘Fera defensive line is solid. In the 50^th minute, Steffan Castle breaks thru off a line-out with a smart dummy, getting the third Try under the posts, which he converts: score 24 – 0. Cwmavon continue with an open game somewhat to Ystalyfera’s advantage, the ball changing sides too easily. Both teams were now moving into the open spaces seeking to score Trys, Cwmavon working up a big effort, but Ystalyfera control events well. In the 70^th minute, Ystalyfera gain the ball and work it out well, for flanker Callum Papp to score his first Try for the club. Ever Ccnsistent Steffan Castle converts: score 31 – 0. Cwmavon are now well spent and in the 80+3 minute, hooker Owen Phillips, not being outdone, latches onto a catch and drive to score his first for the club. This again converted by 100% Steffan Castle – final score 38 – 0.

Cwmavon came to Ystalyfera with a young, plucky side. They tried their best but the experience and power of the ‘Fera team was a difficult mountain to climb. Ystalyfera took the opportunity to test the strength of their defence, and with the big help of mighty mouse Steffan Castle and his 18 points, cruised into the next round.

Ystalyfera gave away 7 penalties:

2 offside, 3 for illegal hands, 1 not releasing a player after a tackle and 1 contesting the referee.

Cwmavon gave away 14 penalties;

7 offside, 1 illegal hands, 4 in scrum, 1 not 10 yards and 1 over the top.