Fixture

The first game after the international break was a League fixture at home to Seven Sisters. After the narrow defeat away at Builth Wells, Ystalyfera were looking for a win whilst the visitors were seeking the same to ease their position at the bottom of the table. Seven kicked off toward the ‘Swansea’ end, conditions dry with little wind. The start was aggressive with early pressure applied by the home side. Nothing came of this and Seven Sisters’ first attack in the ‘changing room’ corner earned a penalty which fell short. The game continued with a contest between both sets of forwards to control possession. After 20 minutes Seven Sisters lock Shaun Moses was ‘sin-binned’ for going over the top of a tackle. The game continued at a fast pace with Ystalyfera mostly keeping play in the visitors half of the field. Chances on the try-line were illegally stopped in the 34^th minute and outside half Gareth James kicked a penalty to open the score for the ‘Fera. Only two minutes later a quickly taken line-out in their own half saw the Seven Sisters backs make a penetrating break down the centre of the field, and wing Anthony Llewellyn scored the first Try under the posts. This was converted by outside half Daniel Short leaving a half time score of Ystalyfera 3 – 7 Seven Sisters.

The onus to attack was now back with the home side and on five minutes from the re-start a penalty from close to the half way line was converted by Gareth James. Score 6 – 7. Again just two minutes later, Daniel Short did the same lifting the score to 6 – 10. The next half hour was a relentless effort by Ystalyfera to affect a score. The other Seven Sisters lock Alex McDonald was yellow carded for dangerous play and a series of scrums, line-outs and penalties close to the visitors’ try-line eventually resulted in a Try for Flanker Owain Morgan in the 74^th minute. This was converted by Gareth James to give Ystalyfera a 13 – 10 lead. From the re-start the game moved into the ‘Fera half and in the 80^th minute a penalty was awarded to Seven Sisters. Despite a difference of opinion from the linesmen the referee awarded the kick. At 13 – 13 in added on time the Seven Sisters centre Kyle Davies took a chance at a drop goal and in the 82^nd minute won the match for Seven Sisters.

Another close run game with every excitement at the close – this time Ystalyfera the unlucky ones.