Fixture

The Glamorgan County.Silver Ball Final of 2019 was played at the Brewery Field, Bridgend on the 18^th May 2019. Ystalyfera were in the final for the first time as Champions of Division One West Central, pitted against Nantyffyllon, they being promoted to that Division as runners up behind Birchgrove in Division Two West Central. Nantyffyllon were well supported with three bus loads of eager followers, the Ystalyfera player’s bus having caught fire on the way (An omen if ever there was one!).Playing conditions were excellent being dry with little wind.

Nantyffyllon kicked off and ‘Fera outside half Gareth James returned the ball into the Nanty half. Making their first attack Nantyffyllon played out left and came close to the Ystalyfera try-line, only to miss the first penalty attempt awarded in the game. Play returned to half way, and Nanty strove to attack again, making a forward pass. Ystalyfera won the first scrum and a neat kick by Gareth James saw the ‘Fera centres chase thru, only for Nantyffyllon to clear the ball. Ystalyfera then won a penalty from a line out and took play up to the Nanty 5m line. An attempted catch and drive lost possession however, and Nantyffyllon cleared their lines. The game began to settle with both sides using the boot to seek advantage. In the 17^th minute, Nantyffyllon attacked again and this time were awarded a penalty. This was converted by No10 Drew Price opening the scoring: 3 – 0. Heartened by the lead Nantyffyllon increased ther effort and burst thru the ‘Fera defence only to drop the ball close to the try line. Attempting to keep up their momentum, Nantyffyllon came again but the Ystalyfera defensive line held firm. Gaining some initiative, Ystalyfera then ran the ball out their line only to lose possession, Nanty attempted a kick and chase but ‘Fera centre Taylor Phillips cleared the ball with an excellent line kick. Ystalyfera were now beginning to search for gaps in the Nantyffyllon defence, and after failing to find touch in the 34^th minute, Nanty gave away possession. ‘Fera flanker Cameron Miguel tore thru some weak tackles to dive over the try line and score the first Try. This was converted by Steffan Castle: 3 – 7. Seemingly losing their concentration after gaining the lead, Ystalyfera were at sixes and sevens after the re-start, and Nantyffyllon wing Owen Lyons raced thru to score a try in the 40^th minute. this was converted by outside half Drew Price leaving a half time score of 10 – 7 to Nantyffyllon.

A set of kicks by both sides started the second period, until Nantyffyllon punted the ball dead behind the Ystalyfera posts. The ‘Fera scrum was slowly beginning to apply pressure on the Nantyffyllon forwards, but a quick attack close to their right hand touchline allowed Nanty flanker Ross Boast to speed thru a gap and score his sides second try in the 48^th minute: score 15 – 7. Ystalyfera now affected some changes bringing on substitutes. Choosing to now utilise their backs Ystalyfera made some penetrating attacks. Nantyffyllon were kicking out of defence and Ystalyfera kept coming back. Nantyffyllon were defending like their lives depended upon it and the ‘Fera kept up the pressure. Eventually in the 68^th minute, Ystalyfera played the ball out to speedy Steffan Castle, now playing at full back, and he darted thru for the second Ystalyfera Try: score 15 – 12. Nantyffyllon stole the ball at the re-start but were forced into touch. A set of knock-ons by both sides saw Nantyffyllon attack from behind a scrum, winning a penalty in the 76^th minute. This was kicked over by Drew Price lifting the lead to 18 – 12. From the restart Ystalyfera were attacking in ernest, Nantyffyllon players defending as hard as they could. However attack after attack proved to be too late for Ystalyfera and Nantyffyllon deservedly won the game.

Both sides tried their best and entertained the supporters with their efforts. Nantyffyllon won the trophy for the first time having previously lost in 1971 to Senghenydd, who they knocked out this season in the Semi-Final. Ystalyfera offer every bit of luck for Nantyffyllon next season in Division One West Central.

The Penalty count was 8 for Ystalyfera and 5 for Nantyffyllon