Fixture

Ystalyfera began their home Division One West Central campaign with a ‘local derby’ against long time rivals Cwmllynfell. The Last meeting was 17 years ago in Division Six, when Cwmllynfell completed a league double and began their rise up the National League structure.

The ‘Fera have taken longer and have patiently waited to meet again here at Ynysydarren.

Conditions were dry with only a slight breeze and both sides began at a fast pace, both seeking to keep the game open from the start. The home side worked the ball across the field and Cwmllynfell conceded a penalty for offside in the 3^rd minute. Outside half Gareth James opened the scoring with a sound effort 3 – 0.  In this early period Ystalyfera were getting the better out of the lines-out and Cwmllynfell were easing the pressure by making use of defensive kicks. In the 10^th minute Ystalyfera were caught offside and outside half Gareth Davies kicked a fine retaliatory penalty. Almost immediately after the restart the Fera were caught again and Gareth Davies repeated the favour – score 3 – 6. Ystalyfera were being over-enthusiastic and pressure applied within the away side 22 was not paying off.  In the 28^th minute Cwmllynfell broke away and a penalty for a late tackle gave the visitors their third penalty again kicked by Gareth Davies 3 – 9. From the re-start Christopher Balfe sustained a severe foot injury and the Cwmllynfell player had to leave the field on a stretcher. Ystalyfera got on with their game and their forward play was now outstanding. With by far the most ball possession the home side were looking to recover their position and unfortunately penalty chances for Gareth James were not successful In the last minute another break by Cwmllynfell saw their winger drop the ball when over the ‘Fera try line – a costly mistake.

The second half began with the visitors starting aggressively and full of confidence. Another penalty effort by Gareth Davies on 44 minutes was however missed. This seemed to change things and a move up the centre of the field fed the ball to centre Ashley Carter, he took a tackle and passed the ball to the fast young wing Josh Jarrett who evaded the Cwmllynfell full back to score the first Try. The conversion was missed by Gareth James. The game continued at a fast and furious pace, events now back with the ‘Fera forwards. In the 56^th minute Josh Jarrett kicked a long penalty from the touchline and almost immediately from the restart Cwmllynfell sped up the right side of the field and wing Michael Owen scored in the corner – 11 – 14.  Things were now tense both on and off the field, both sides giving their all. In the 64^th minute a penalty was awarded after the Cwmllynfell centre was yellow carded, and Josh Jarrett kicked again for an equalising 14 – 14. Six minutes later a penalty 35 yards out saw Gareth Davies restore the Cwmllynfell lead 14 – 17. Ystalyfera were now full of aggression and the exciting finish was being felt by all in the extensive crowd. In the 74^th minute work by the home forwards saw a disallowed Try. A 5 yard scrum ensued and having won against the head Ystalyfera popped the ball to substitute flanker Gareth Phillips who scored the winner and his first Try for the club. This was converted by Damien James – final score 21 – 17.

This was an outstanding quality game between two good Division One sides, and the win for Ystalyfera well deserved.