Fixture

Tondu kicked off this fixture in dry cold conditions, the first scrum awarded to Ystalyfera after the clearance was knocked on. The game progressed as a midfield contest, both sides attempting to kick for territorial advantage. A second penalty awarded to Tondu for offside was missed after 8 minutes, and the ‘Fera forwards began to take control. In the 13^th minute, a penalty awarded to the visitors was converted by centre Gareth James – score 0 – 3. Tondu then changed their tactics and attempted to run the ball across their backs. The Ystalyfera defensive tackling however was well organised, and a trademark interception by ‘Fera outside half Damian James was unlucky not to increase the lead. Penalties given by Ystalyfera allowed the home side attempt a catch and drive, but the visiting forwards dealt with the threat admirably. Pressure by Tondu remained and in the 22^nd minute Jonathan Williams (Fera prop) and Scot Walters (Tondu prop) were SinBinned by the referee. The Tondu backs were still hungry and a perfect tackle by full back Steffan Castle was required to keep them out. The pace of the game was now increasing and a break by Steffan Castle took play into the home half, giving some respite to the visiting side. In the 33^rd minute however the Tondu backs broke away from the back of a scrum and running the ball across centre Paul Smithson scored a Try, which he converted – score 7 – 3 at half time.   

An immediate attack by Tondu after receiving the ball from the re-start, saw a quick catch and drive present the ball to scrum half Gareth Linderburn, who got their second Try (not converted) – score 12 – 3. 43^rd minute. Ystalyfera responded with a flurry of scrums in the home 22. In the 50^th minute ‘Fera flanker Daniel Williams was yellow carded. Not disturbed the ‘Fera forwards continued to drive, clear and penetrate, getting a catch and drive chance which Tondu pulled down. When Ystalyfera repeated the attack a second impeding infringement saw the referee give a penalty Try in the 55^th minute. Gareth James converted – score 12 – 10. Play now returned to the visiting 22 where the Ystalyfera defence again stood true. Waiting an opportunity for some decent possession, the Ystalyfera backs seized a chance in the 65^th minute from behind a scrum, the ball worked its way out to winger Josh Jarrett who sped up the line, made a long forward kick and beat the Tondu full back in a race for the line, touching down the best Try of the game. Gareth James was unlucky with the conversion, and the <Fera crept into a narrow 12 – 15 lead. The impetus was now all with Tondu, they looking to re-gain the advantage. Big pressure was heaped on Ystalyfera in their 22 but time and time again the defence stood firm. A series of catch and drive efforts were attempted but no progress was made. Eventually within four minutes of added on time they were forced to take a penalty chance to draw the game. Paul Smithson kicked it over for a 15 – 15 result.

Penalty count was

9 given by Tondu,

3 given by Ystalyfera for offside, 5 for holding/lying on ball, 4 scrum/line out infringements and 2 for verbal abuse.