Fixture

With Cup competitions, bad weather and Welsh Internationals, this early League fixture away at Parc Mawr Bonymaen was the first game for Ystalyfera since 22^nd October. The clear sky and bright sunshine with a slight breeze, allowed for sharp biting cold conditions, more uncomfortable for the supporters than both sets of players. The ‘Fera kicked off and the first attack by the home side gave Ystalyfera the first penalty of the game. Working up the field the ‘Fera forward momentum was broken when Bonymaen gained possession. Quick movement of the ball saw a break thru with a positive run. Ystalyfera were forced back and had to concede a line out close to their own try-line. A Bonymaen attempted catch and drive was stopped, but from a resultant scrum inside half Colin Jones ran in the first try in the 12^th minute, this not being converted: score 5 – 0. A penalty from an offside pick up after the restart was missed by ‘Fera outside half Gareth James, but a gifted second chance in the 18^th minute was made safe: score 5 – 3. The game was soon back into the visitor corner of the field. A line out was collected and a push over saw Bonymaen score their second try in the 22^nd minute, this converted by outside half Ian Brooks: score 12 – 3. Ystalyfera undaunted make a strong attack after the restart and the Bonymaen defence holds up well. Both sides sought to gain control of the ball and missed tackles by Ystalyfera gave the home side a series of chances. Increased effort ensued but in the 31^st minute Bonymaen expertly moved the ball along their back line allowing winger Nathan Brooks to score in the corner. This was not converted: score 17 – 3. Bonymaen were now full of confidence but a charge-down by Ystalyfera generated a big push by the forwards, only stopped by a penalty. ‘Fera Continuing the momentum forced the referee to give warnings to the home side, an eventual second penalty being converted by Gareth James in the 37^th minute: score 17 – 6. Injuries to players on both sides saw the first half come to an end.   

Ystalyfera changes were Tom Lewis for Kevin Allen and Jonathan Williams for Dan White before the re-start. Bonymaen began with good ball handling and a determined attack, failing with a knock on. 3 minutes in and ‘Fera sub Marcus Davies came on for Robat White, an immediate change being evident in the next scrum. The Ystalyfera forwards were now making a good account of themselves, the home pack seeming disorganised. Nevertheless when the home backs received possession they looked most dangerous. A home penalty chance after a high tackle in the 58^th minute was missed, and the Ystalyfera forwards were beginning to dominate proceedings. ‘Fera’s last substitute, the experienced Craig Watkins came on for Emyr Myers, adding strength to the centre. Play danced around the midfield and an eventual break fell to ‘Fera lock Cameron Miguel. He stormed up centre field and was eventually illegally stopped. This allowed the visitors to attempt an attack but Bonymaen broke out of defence in the 74^th minute, centre Kyle Salter running in the bonus point try which was converted: score 24 – 6. Ystalyfera certainly were not giving up and a further big effort by the forwards at the end was continually being impeded illegally, the referee eventually losing patience, red carding a player and awarding a penalty try in the 82^nd minute. This was converted by Gareth James – final score: 24 – 13.

A hard fixture for Ystalyfera after the long break. Although some ‘rustiness’ was apparent in the first half, the side made account of themselves winning the second. Continued improvement should prove the important factor in the fixtures ahead, earing a deserved lift up the league table.

Penalty count was 14 for Ystalyfera, with only 3 against;

1 for handling on floor, 1 scrum offence and 1 high tackle.