Fixture

Looking to continue their run of form, Ystalyfera entertained fellow contestants Pencoed in the battle to remain in Division One, knowing a single point would ensure two other sides would finish the season below them in the table. Conditions were dry with clouds overhead. Pencoed kicked off towards Swansea and immediately both sides were looking to keep possession of the ball. Playing at a fast pace, the ‘Fera made a determined push into the ‘Garage’ corner. In the 8^th minute a push over from a scrum saw No8 Andy Llewellyn score the first Try. This was not converted score 5 – 0. Pencoed now made their first attack and Ystalyfera defended well. The game developed as a contest in the centre of the field. Pencoed converted a penalty in the 18^th minute and events returned to the ‘garage’ corner. ‘Fera worked hard with the visitors keeping them out until, after a break from a line out. flanker Ashley Carter crossed over amongst a crowd of players for his 50^th Try for the club. This was converted by full back Stephan Castle : score 12 – 3. Pencoed now made a determined effort to pull back the score but to no avail. One of the Pencoed centres was yellow carded for a dangerous tackle and the half ended with the Pencoed pressure getting no luck.  

An immediate attack at the restart by Ystalyfera saw the ball run out the line to full back Steffan Castle who beat three defenders and scored the 3^rd Try. He was also close with the conversion. The game was now quite open and drifted into the ‘Fera half when Pencoed got their first Try in the 53^rd minute.This was converted: score 17 – 10. In the 57^th minute a try for Ystalyfera wing Jay Aspinwall was disallowed for a dubious foot in touch. Six minutes later Pencoed broke away from a ‘Fera attack to score their 2^nd Try, the conversion was claimed by Pencoed but disallowed by the referee: score 17 – 15. The match result was anybody’s at this point and Ystalyfera made their case, when a smart line kick by centre Gareth James was chased by wing Emyr Myers. He gathered the ball and run in the 4^th ‘Fera bonus point Try in the 66^th minute: score 22 – 15. Still with the chance to gain an equaliser Pencoed made a big effort at the end of the game getting a 3^rd Try on 73 minutes. The conversion attempt went wide however and play finished at 22 – 20.

The five point win saves a Division One place for Ystalyfera next season, well deserved thanks to the outstanding efforts put in by all the coaches, staff and players.

Penalty count was;

10 committed by Pencoed and 12 by Ystalyfera.

Fera breakdown was 2 for holding ball/player on floor, 2 scrum offences, 1 side entry,

2 high tackles and 5 offside.