Fixture

Travelling to the second away fixture in succession Ystalyfera had a noticeable depleted side due to injuries and unplanned absences. Conditions were sunny but the pitch was wet following a full day of rain yesterday.

Ystalyfera kicked off and Skewen began to move the ball well, the ‘Fera defending soundly. Both sides looked for good position and in the 17^th minute Ystalyfera broke through - Skewen defending desperately. After 21 minutes a break by the Skewen scrum half up the centre of the field took play to the ‘Fera 22 and movement to the left saw the first Try under the posts by the Skewen Centre. This was converted by the full back 7 – 0. Ystalyfera came back after the restart with a determined attack. Working the ball hard into the corner with forceful drives and smart close play movement out to the centre saw No13 Stephen Myers run in a 38^th minute Try, well converted by number10 Gareth James. 7 – 7. A long kick at the restart gained a knock-on by ‘Fera full back Josh Jarrett, but the resultant scrum gained no benefit before half time.

 With Skewen kicking off Ystalyfera ran the ball into the home half and the game was held there by excellent line kicking by Gareth James. Skewen were well organised however and after moving the ball across their backs scored their second Try in the corner in the 53^rd minute. 12 – 7.

Ystalyfera continued to battle and another attack was countered by the home side. Both sides were at this point playing attractive rugby, and a Skewen attack was stopped by ‘Fera full back Josh Jarrett. The referee however decided that a yellow card was in order as he stopped a sure Try. Reminiscent of a football rule, Skewen opted for the scrum and the push was stopped by the Skewen prop falling on his knees. The Ref felt otherwise however and awarded a Penalty Try under the posts 62^nd minute. This was converted and when Captain Tom Barry approached the Referee for clarification he was also yellow carded. Score 19 – 7. Two men short removed all competition from this point and the referee awarded another penalty Try in the 69^th minute (converted), Skewen with further Trys in the 73^rd and 78^th minute, the former being converted. Final score 38 – 7.

Ystalyfera played well with ‘stand in’ players masking a big effort but to no avail.