Fixture

This was an important game between sides locked in the relegation battle at the ‘wrong’ end of the table, and its entertainment value matched its importance. ‘Fera scrum half Tom Barry made his 100^th appearance In sunny and windy conditions. Ystalyfera kicked off straight into the first penalty, first line out and first Try, – given by the referee after an infringement by the Kenfig Hill forwards. Converted by centre Gareth James ‘Fera were 7 – 0 ahead. Play resumed, and after keen competition by both sets of forwards to gain control of the ball, in the 11^th minute the home side broke thru the ‘Fera defence to equalise with a Try and conversion of their own - score 7 - 7. Immediately after the re-start Gareth James intercepted a wild pass and set up for flanker Ashley Carter to score the 2^nd ‘Fera Try, this being converted by Gareth in the 14^th minute – score 7 – 14. The action was relentless and again from the re-start the home side stretched the ball fully out their line to get their 2^nd Try. This was not converted giving the score at 12 – 14. An immediate penalty offence then let Kenfig Hill gain the lead with a long penalty 15 - 14 after a hectic 16 minutes. Kenfig Hill soon attempted to run the ball out again but an apparent high tackle by ‘Fera outside half Damian James earned him a Red Card. The match now became a contest for ball possession. In the 30^th minute, Ystalyfera made a play into the right hand corner and from a quick release prop Robat White powered over close to the touchline, This was his first senior ‘Fera Try of his career. Not converted score was now 15 – 19. Proceedings continued at pace and in the second minute of added on time Gareth James burst thru the middle of the home defence, to get the 4^th bonus Try and his 50^th for the club. Half time score was 15 – 24 to Ystalyfera.

Five minutes into the second half saw the home side get their second penalty, and two minutes later their third Try which was converted. This put Kenfig Hill into a narrow 25 – 24 lead. With the speed of the game and more players on the field, a marked advantage should have developed for the home side, but dubious tactical choices and the sheer tenacity of the Ystalyfera side, kept play at an even keel. In the 60^th minute, ‘Fera full back Steffan Castle, who had worked hard in defence all through the game, took an opportunity to race over the home try-line getting the 5^th ‘Fera Try. This he converted himself raising the score to 25 – 31. Kenfig Hill tried with all their might to redeem events but it wasn’t going to happen. In the 76^th minute a Kenfig player was Red Carded and five minutes into added on time ‘Fera forwards coach Andy Llewellyn powered over for the 6^th Ystalyfera Try, this being converted for a final 25 – 38 win for the ‘Fera.    

Not a classic in rugby terms but certainly one to remember for Ystalyfera, fully deserving the five points win in a match dedicated by the players for the late President Jack Myers, who tragically passed away the Friday before.

Penalty count was;

7 committed by Kenfig Hill and 11 by Ystalyfera.

Fera breakdown was 5 for holding ball/player, 1 scrum offence, 1 hands in ruck, 1 dangerous play and 3 high/dangerous tackles.