Fixture

In wet and slippery conditions at Parc Ynysydarren, Ystalyfera received a long deep kick off at the school end from East Central side Dowlais, this the awaited 4^th Round tie of the Welsh National Plate. An immediate knock on, saw a scrum to the visitors in the home 22. The ball was hooked and switched quickly allowing the Dowlais backs to pass out to winger Jake Howard, he grounding the ball in the 2^nd minute. The referee Mr Jon Hardy from Llanelli gave the conversion leaving an early 7 point lead for the visitors. Dealing with the shock Ystalyfera settled, keeping the ball in the Dowlais half of the field. The ‘Fera forwards began their work and after winning a scrum against the head, moved the ball closer to the Dowlais tryline. Excellent handling fed winger and top try scorer Luc Caines, who dashed in for the first Ystalyfera Try in the 15^th minute. Conversion was missed leaving a 5 – 7 score. From the restart Dowlais took the game back to the garage corner, where a line out and catch and drive move was stopped by the ‘Fera defence. The Ystalyfera pack were now putting in some strong scrums and half back Gareth James purposely moved proceedings downfield. A sharp kick thru the Dowlais defence saw the ‘Fera back row chase hard and good ball collecting allowed flanker Jesse Patton get the second ‘Fera Try in the 24^th minute. This was converted by Gareth James lifting the score to 12 – 7. Ystalyfera were now on fire and the pressure was on in the tunnel corner. Penalties were saving the visitors but neat play by the ‘Fera backs  was shifting the attack across the field. Running a penalty awarded to Ystalyfera hooker Owen Phillips was penalised for raising an elbow, earning a yellow card. A rare trip into the ‘Fera half saw a commendable clearance by full back Stephan Castle, moving events back into the Dowlais 22. All the rugby was with Ystalyfera at this point and Dowlais kept them out to end the first half.

Ystalyfera began the second half with a breakthrough, and a race for the line was stopped by a forward pass. Dowlais had to raise their game and a free for all between the sides was voiced upon by the ‘sheddies’, the referee speaking to the captains. Ystalyfera forwards continued to press and Dowlais had to work hard in defence. The game remained open and play moved back and fore, Dowlais trying searching kicks and Ystalyfera unlucky with the better chances. With the contest starting to settle again in the Dowlais half the visitors make a bigger effort, but the ‘Fera defend well and maintain their grip on the game. Scrums close to to Dowlais tryline are supported loudly by the ‘sheddies’, who were in full voice. Ystalyfera now attempted some long penalties to stretch the thin lead, and Dowlais sought long kicks to gain ground at every opportunity. Dowlais put in their all and pressure built up on the ‘Fera defence. Time and time again all the visitor attacks were defended resolutely, and at full time victory went to the home team.

This was an excellent open cup tie played out by two very good sides, fully entertaining both sets of supporters alike. Fortune going to a deserved Ystalyfera side. Dowlais enjoyed in the clubhouse afterwards and good luck to them in the future from Ystalyfera.

Penalty counts were 7 for Ystalyfera and 9 against;

3 hands on the floor, 2 offside, 2 in from side, 1 raised elbow and 1 verbal abuse.