Fixture

The ‘Fera visit to top of the table Pontypool was in wet, windy conditions, supporters grateful to utilise the stand available.

Ystalyfera kicked off with the wind behind them, winning the first penalty of the game in the first scrum. The first Pooler attack was defended well by Ystalyfera, but from a resulting scrum the home side ran the ball out for their first try in the 5^th minute, this being converted score: 7 – 0. From a scrum at the re-start, Ystalyfera gained another penalty, quickly followed by a third which gave outside half Steffan Castle the opportunity to open the ‘Fera score in the 9^th minute 7 – 3. Pontypool appeared a little over eager to expand their lead and gave away further penalties, breaking up their attacks. Pontypool then gained their first penalty which they ran using their forward momentum. Pressing up to the ‘Fera try line, they ran from behind a scrum to cross over their second try in the 18^th minute, converted score: 14 – 3. From the restart Ystalyfera made their first attack which Pooler broke up in their 22, clearing to half way. The game gradually moved into the ‘Fera 22, and in the 24^th minute, Pontypool flanker Michael Herbert needlessly punched Ystalyfera flanker Callum Papp in the face. Herbert was red carded whilst Callum had to be assisted off the field. Substitute Graham Jones came on and a penalty by Steffan Castle put Ystalyfera up to the Pontypool 5m line. The home side won the ball and cleared their lines. Ystalyfera attacked again and centre/captain Jonathan Bayliss took a short kick, attempted to chase but was unfortunate the home defence were able to collect the ball. Pooler took the opportunity and quickly raced past Ystalyfera to run in their third try in the 30^th minute, converted score 21 – 3. A long kick to restart was fielded by Bowdy Davies calling a mark. After a kick to half way Pontypool attacked again, only to drop the ball. The game now settled in midfield with both sides having difficulty controlling the ball thanks to the wind and persistent rain. Pontypool were relentless however and in the 38^th minute attacked straight up the middle of the field with neat passing earning their fourth bonus try under the posts, converted score: 28 – 3. At the end of the first period both sides resorted to kicking for position. This gave Bowdy Davies a chance to break and whilst assisted by wing Luc Caines earned an Ystalyfera scrum on the home 5m line, Pooler defending adequately.  

Pontypool had the wind behind them in the second half and they took every advantage. An immediate knock on and a penalty given away by Ystalyfera, saw the Pooler power thru for the fifth try in the 44^th minute, converted score: 35 – 3. Pontypool came again but failed with a forward pass. An attempted clearance from the scrum by Steffan Castle was charged down. A set of scrums earned Pontypool a penalty. Opting for another scrum Pooler were then awarded a penalty try by the referee, score: 42 – 3. Whilst brave Ystalyfera were certainly not giving up, Pontypool were now in full flight and were attacking at every opportunity. Quick play up the centre saw another try and conversion in the 55^th minute, score: 49 – 3. Being forced with players out of position saw another chase ball and try-conversion in the 60^th minute score: 56 – 3. A controlled attack in the 65^th minute outnumbering the away defence 5 to 1 saw another try/conversion score: 63 – 3. Three minutes later saw the tenth try and conversion lifting the score to 70 – 3. In the 68^th minute of the game Ystalyfera gained possession of the ball and from an attack won a penalty. A line out and subsequent maul on the home 22m line saw ‘Fera hooker Daniel Williams break out with the ball. Not going to be stopped he powered over the home try line for his 14^th try and 70 personal points for the club. score: 70 – 8. In the 78^th minute of the game Pontypool won a scrum under the ‘Fera posts. With the ball coming the home way the final try and conversion reached a final score of 77 – 8 to league leaders Pontypool.

This was a match more for the history books than the result. A much expected win for Pontypool did not dispirit Ystalyfera too greatly, indeed it was less than the 86 – 6 the last time! Steffan Castle got his 620 points for the club and Daniel Williams announced his return to the club with a try at Pontypool park.

Penalty count was 7 for Ystalyfera and 4 for Pontypool.