Fixture

With the recent heavy rains, Bedwas were able to keep their field available for the first ever visit by Ystalyfera, our only previous encounter being a narrow home Welsh Cup First Round 4 – 3 win for the ‘Fera in season 1981-82.

Ystalyfera kicked off getting the first line-out. After a good catch the ball was lost and Bedwas punted into the ‘Fera 22. Inside centre Gareth James made a deep clearance, and the Bedwas backs chose to run the ball. Some quick passing allowed the home winger Jordan Rees to burst thru getting the first try in the 5^th minute: score 5 – 0. From the restart Badwas attempted to run thru again only to give away the first penalty. Ystalyfera scrums were looking positive and a further deep kick saw Bedwas attack again, with an attempted kick for position being fielded well with a catch and mark called by ‘Fera full back Taylor Phillips. Play returned into the home half and a penalty awarded to Ystalyfera on the Bedwas 22 was kicked over by Outside half Steffan Castle in the 12^th minute: score 5 – 3. Both sides were using the boot to probe for weaknesses, the ‘Fera switching to run the ball. This proved unlucky with some handling errors. Penalties set up play on the Ystalyfera 5m line, and a catch and drive by Bedwas earned their second Try scored by lock Craig Hudd in the 25^th minute: score 10 – 3. A good line out ball saw Ystalyfera return to the Bedwas half, and a penalty after a scrum infringement in the 28^th minute saw Steffan Castle lift the score: 10 – 6. Immediately Bedwas returned on the attack and a forceful drive up the middle of the field saw a third home Try, this converted by full back James Hallett in the 32^nd minute, lifting the Bedwas lead to 17 – 6. Ystalyfera returned into the home half with a determined attack after the restart, only to give away a penalty. The Ystalyfera forwards were giving their best and the first period ended with Bedwas having to work hard to keep their visitors out.     

Bedwas kicked off the second period getting a line out on the Ystalyfera 22. A scrum ensued and Bedwas gained a penalty which was missed. The home side came forward again with a 5m line out for Ystalyfera. Another scrum and Ystalyfera substituted their props keeping the home attack in check. The Bedwas pressure continued and in the 52^nd minute after a run of penalties the referee awarded a penalty Try to Bedwas: score 24 – 6. The home side were now full of vigour and they attacked again. Play remained in the ‘Fera half, and a catch and drive lineout in the 60^th minute saw the 5^th Try scored and converted: score 31 – 6. Ystalyfera were certainly not giving up and the forwards sought to make headway. Penalties however returned the game into the visitor half. In the 67^th minute Bedwas centre Lewis Bowden run in the sixth Try converted by James Hallett. Ystalyfera were still battling but failing to retain possession. In the 78^th minute, some impressive passing between the Bedwas backs saw the seventh Try scored by wing Liam Jenkins, again converted: score 45 – 6. Ystalyfera were still there however, and after a 5m lineout followed by a pair of scrums ‘Fera wing Luc Caines intercepted a Bedwas pass and sprinted up the field to score another ‘Fera Try in the 87^th minute. This he converted changing the score 45 – 13. Surprisingly the game continued and Bedwas scored a further try in the 92^nd minute being converted giving a final score of Bedwas 52 – 13 Ystalyfera.

Bedwas were relegated from the Premier in 13^th place last season having finished in 2^nd place and Championship (Fosters) Cup winners only two years before. Their organisation, discipline and quality of play was obvious and have been the best side we have played so far, all be it only the third game of the season. Ystalyfera again put in a dogged hard performance, players needing to cover positions with some absentees. Looking forward there are going to be games Ystalyfera can and should win.

Penalty count was 10 against Bedwas and 12 against Ystalyfera.