Fixture

In damp low clouds at the top of Parc Mawr, a fair size crowd of supporters gathered to watch the top of Division One West Central clash between leaders Ystalyfera and second placed home side Bonymaen.  

with no wind issues, Ystalyfera kicked off from the Swansea Valley end, and over enthusiasm brought about the first penalty for Bonymaen. Contest for possession earned the visitors the first line out in the home half, and after a set of kicks by both sides, Bonymaen were able to fashion their first attack. A further penalty gave Bonymaen outside half and kicker Richard Cunniffe an opportunity to open the scoring, which he took in the 5^th minute: score 3 – 0. From the restart ‘Fera winger Bowdy Davies ran the ball back into the Bonymaen half, setting up his side to attack in their right hand corner, wing Josh Jarrett being well tackled by his opposite number. Taking advantage of an opening, Bonymaen returned to the Ystalyfera 5m line, an attempted long kick downfield being wasted by an offside in the 9^th minute. Richard Cunniffe made no mistake doubling the lead to 6 – 0. The home supporters and their side now took heart, launching a positive attack which Ystalyfera fullback Steffan Castle had to clear off-field. The first scrum in the 12^th minute saw Ystalyfera pass the ball out the line, a useful kick up-field being chased by ‘Fera centre Jonathan Bayliss, who put in an effective tackle. Play continued with both sides looking to hold onto possession of the ball. In the 16^th minute the Bonymaen backs were penalised for crossing, and Ystalyfera ran the ball. Poor passing however gave Bonymaen a chance to break thru, only for the ‘Fera defence to cover most effectively. The next scrum saw a penalty for Ystalyfera, and working from a resulting line out,the forwards work the ball well. Another penalty ensued which Steffan Castle converted in the 22^nd minute: score 6 – 3. A very long kick from the restart, forced the visitors to defend vigorously in their right hand ‘Car Park‘ corner. A Bonymaen scrum was turned over and Josh Jarrett raced up the line, being tackled into touch in midfield. Bonymaen refused to be denied and attacked again. A set of line outs saw both packs of forwards looking to break thru their opponents, Ystalyfera being awarded penalties and progressing into the Bonymaen half. This seemed to awaken the supporters of both sides to voice opinions, all of which was ignored by the referee. After a penalty miss by Steffan Castle, Bonymaen forged an attack only for the ‘Fera forwards to regain possession. Further kicks moved the game into the visitor half, and in the 38^th minute a well taken line-out saw Bonymaen move the ball out where winger Nathan Brookes sped over the ‘Fera try-line avoiding tackles for the first Try. This was converted by Richard Cunniffe to end the first period at 13 – 3.

Full back Steffan Castle caught the Bonymaen re-start, and set the ball up for his team-mates. In the melee hooker Owen Phillips was injured, and a break up the line developed into a home scrum in their 22. The ‘Fera pack made a big push and Bonymaen cleared their lines at a second attempt. The home side were up for it and broke out, a set of kicks moving play into the Ystalyfera half. A hot contest now developed up front, Bonymaen attacking from a defensive position getting another penalty in the 55^th minute: score 16 – 3. Both sides were now giving their all with the ball chaning sides at every opportunity. In the 65^th minute a drive by Bonymaen in front of the clubhouse was expanded, with a quick release out to the left fooling the Ystalyfera defence, where wing Sam Jones was able to get the second home Try. This was converted by Richard Cunniffe: score 23 – 3. The home supporters were now most vociferous but Ystalyfera were certainly not broken. After the restart the ‘Fera pack set themselves up in the ‘Car Park’ corner. Line outs and scrums were worked hard looking for chances. Penalties and further scrums pressed Bonymaen, a surge thru by scrum half ‘Shenko’ Jenkins nearly earning reward. In the 68^th minute, a penalty and scrum under the posts saw the ball worked out to the left, where wing Josh Jarrett forced his way over for a Try in the corner. Steffan Castle converted but time had run out for the ‘Fera. Final score 23 – 10.  .  .  

The effort and determination of the players reflected their status as the top two sides in the Division. Bonymaen wanted this win and in the end deserved it. Ystalyfera are certainly not easy to beat, and this is why they sit at the top. At the end it was Ystalyfera who were pressing and Bony were relieved for the final whistle. With 5 games to go for both teams, things can change so onwards and upwards – good luck to both sides.   .

The penalty counts were 14 for Ystalyfera and 6 for Bonymaen.