Fixture

Ystalyfera RFC | 1st Team 26 - 22 Glamorgan Wanderers RFC | 1st Team
Owain Morgan
Try 1
Steffan Castle
Conversion 2
Penalty 4
Jonathan Bayliss
Try 1
Cameron Gibbon
1 Try
Rhys Beynon
1 Try
Daniel Watts
1 Try
Paul Short
2 Conversion
1 Penalty

Match Report
22 October 2019 / Team News

Ystalyfera 26 – 22 Glamorgan Wanderers

Ystalyfera entertained Western Cardiff (Ely) side Glamorgan Wanderers for the first time, in the third home fixture in the National Championship. For a change there was no rain, with clouds and occasional sunshine. There was no significant breeze to effect the game and being the last home fixture before the clocks change, it was feeling a little cold in the shade. Starting at No8 for the ‘Fera was Steffan ‘Saus’ Jones, making his 250th appearance for the Club.

Glamorgan Wanderers kicked off, Ystalyfera outside half Taylor Phillips returning the ball toward the Swansea end. Wanderers made their first attack with Ystalyfera looking safe in defence. After the first scrum the ‘Fera gained the first penalty, and a well won line out allowed the first home attack. Moving the ball from left to right Ystalyfera sought to find gaps, eventually kicking into the Garage corner. Wanderers cleared their line out and moved just outside the home half where Ystalyfera won another penalty. Having converted a penalty from the centre spot last week versus Maesteg Quins, Wing Jonathan Bayliss gave it a go and was only just outside. Wanderers dropped out and Taylor Phillips offered an ‘up and under’ to chase. The visitors ran the ball out of defence however, Ystalyfera charging down an attempted kick. Glamorgan Wanderers were certainly testing the home defence using the boot, and the ‘Fera backs were fielding well. In the 15th minute, Ystalyfera won a penalty on the visitors 22m line, which full back Steffan Castle converted: score 3 – 0. From the kick off lock Jesse Patton cleared the ball into the Wanderers half. From the line out the visitors moved the ball quickly out their line and a smart inside pass allowed Wanderers centre Rhys Beynon to run in their first Try; score 3 – 5. Ystalyfera attacked from the restart deep into the Garage corner, Glamorgan Wanderers having to hastily clear their lines. A speedy run by Steffan Castle continued the pressure, only for an offside penalty assisting the visitors defence. Further kicks by both sides kept the game in midfield, until another penalty opportunity was kicked over by Steffan Castle in the 35th minute; score 6 – 5. Glamorgan Wanderers were alternating their play options between kicking for position and speedily running the ball. When ‘Fera had possession, the Wanderers flanker Callum James was targeting Taylor Phillips and the youngster was coping admirably. An excellent clearance by ‘Fera centre Gareth James kept increasing pressure by Wanderers at bay. Poor line out position gave Ystalyfera a penalty in the 40th minute which Castle converted, the end play of the first period taking place in the Garage corner, where hooker Ryan Lee James made a break only to be fouled. This 4th penalty by Steffan Castle completed the score at 12 – 5 to Ystalyfera.    

Ystalyfera got the second period underway, The Wanderers returning the ball to Steffan Castle. Choosing to run forward into their opponents half, Taylor Phillips hoisted a smart kick out to the left wing where Jonathan Bayliss collected and sought a gap to run in the first Ystalyfera Try in the 43rd minute. This was his third consecutive Try in as many games for the Club. Steadfast Steffan Castle converted, lifting the lead to 19 – 5. Wanderers now brought on early substitutes seeking to make a difference. Now running the ball at every opportunity, Ystalyfera had their work cut out to close the gaps. In the 54th minute, a penalty by Wanderers full back James Loxton raised the score to 19 – 8. Ystalyfera were now defending aggressively in the School corner, Wanderers attacking relentlessly right across the field. When Ystalyfera attempted to break out, or clear the pressure with the boot, Wanderers continually moved forward, not faltering in their purpose. In the 62nd minute they were rewarded with a Try and conversion; score 19 – 15. Play now moved to the Tunnel corner only for a visitor penalty to return events to the Ystalyfera half. Back in the School corner and in the 67th minute Wanderers got a 5m line-out. A catch and drive gave the visitors their third Try and second conversion; score 19 – 22. Having now gone into the lead Glamorgan Wanderers vowed to give no ground or penalties. Not so easy at Ynysydarren with Ystalyfera all up for their first win. Utilising the reliable pack Captain and flanker Owain Morgan tore down the left wing but was unable to release the ball to wing Jonathan Bayliss. A penalty attempt by Steffan Castle missed, and another break by the Captain was thwarted illegally. In added on time and needing more than three points for the win, Ystalyfera opted for a scrum under the posts. A terrific hard push drove over the line and whilst shaking the new posts in their foundations Owain Morgan deservedly got the second ‘Fera Try. This was converted by Steffan Castle leaving the final score 26 – 22 to Ystalyfera.   

The Championship is as expected, full of very well organised and talented teams. This guarantees that play has to remain at its best throughout any contest, and so it proved in this game. Despite a 14 point lead in the second half, Ystalyfera had to show their worth to fight back and restore the advantage after a plucky and determined Glamorgan Wanderers side, had deservedly taken the lead to the end of normal time. Now off the bottom, we can hope to improve further in the remainder of this long season, come rain or shine.

Penalty count was 12 against Glamorgan Wanderers and 10 against Ystalyfera.

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