Fixture

Beddau RFC | 1st Team 24 - 17 Ystalyfera RFC | 1st Team
Jonathan Bayliss
1 Try
Steffan Rhys Jones
1 Try
Steffan Castle
2 Conversion
1 Penalty

Match Report
19 November 2019 / Team News

Beddau 24 – 17 Ystalyfera

Playing the fifth away game out of eight, Ystalyfera travelled to Beddau for the very first time, conditions being dry, cloudy and no wind. With the ‘Fera seeking their first away League win, the Green and Golds wished to improve on their previous home win versus Maesteg Quins.

Ystalyfera kicked off towards the ‘changing room’ end, getting the first line out close to halfway. The first scrum saw a big push by the Ystalyfera forwards, Beddau getting the first penalty of the game after a second put in. Attacking into the visitors half, a clash between the forwards resulted in Ystalyfera lock Steffan David Jones having to leave the field, being replaced by Paul Davies. Another big effort by the ‘Fera forwards failed to prevent the home side moving the ball, Beddau getting a penalty for offside which outside half Hywel Chatham kicked over in the 8th minute. Attacking again from the restart, the Beddau backs passed the ball forward, allowing Ystalyfera to formulate their first attack. With the forwards recycling the ball, ‘Fera outside half Taylor Phillips made a break, punting forward when tackled by the home full back. A set of kicks saw Beddau attempt to run from a mark, with Ystalyfera returning the ball. Both sides were looking to gain advantage by using the boot, and defenders in both sides had to be carefully not to leave any gaps. Collecting a long Beddau clearance, ‘Fera wing Luc Caines penetrated up the right touchline, winning a line out in the top corner. From a catch and drive, Ystalyfera brought the ball inside and pressed under the posts. Winning a penalty and opting for another scrum, a push over saw No8 Steffan ‘saus’ Jones get the first Try, converted by Steffan Castle in the 20th minute: score 3 – 7. Getting another penalty from the restart, Ystalyfera were back in the Beddau half, only to give away a penalty themselves. Beddau fail to find touch, Steffan Castle moving play back to the Green and Gold half. The game progressed with the ball rotating from one half to the other. Giving possession away with a high tackle, Beddau attempted a catch and drive from the ‘Fera 22m line, and an offside attempted interception gave Hywel Chatham a second penalty conversion in the 32nd minute: score 6 – 7. Beddau attacked from the restart and Ystalyfera were pressed into their right hand corner. Handling errors however gave the ‘Fera the opportunity to shift play back into the home half. Losing possession in the scrum, Beddau broke out and chased back to the Ystalyfera 5m line. Injury to ‘Fera Captain Owain Morgan held up play, and after restarting, a line out and scrum saw a further penalty for Beddau. Hywel Chatham putting over his third to gain his side a 9 – 7 lead at half time.

Floodlights were now on and Owain Morgan was replaced by Callum Papp. Ystalyfera won the first scrum and attacked again, only to give away another penalty. Beddau took a 22m line out but again dropped the ball. Both sides were making errors when chances arose, making the kicking aspect more important. An attack by Beddau in the 46th minute was stopped illegally, Chatham kicking over his 4th; score 12 – 7. Play was now entrenched in the Ystalyfera half, and Beddau attempted another 22m catch and drive. This pressed into the corner where Beddau prop Ben Warren dived over for the first home try in the 54th minute: score 17 – 7. Beddau attacked again and Ystalyfera defended hard to keep them out. Scrums followed line outs, dragging play to centre-field. From a scrum in the 68th minute, a long pass out to Beddau wing Brendan Clarke saw him charge over in the corner for the second home Try. This was converted by Chatham raising the score to 24 – 7. Ystalyfera were certainly not giving up and on resumption of play, broke into the Beddau half. The home backs attempted to pass through their opponents only to lose the ball. Ystalyfera winger Jonathan Bayliss saw his chance and grasping the ball tore thru to get the second Ystalyfera try, converted by Steffan Castle: score 24 – 14. Beddau realised the game was not yet assured and moved play into the away 22. Ystalyfera however were full of fight and snatched possession, attacking the home defenders. Winning a penalty ‘Fera pressed on the Beddau 5m line, only to be thwarted by desperate home defending. With time running out and 10 points behind, Ystalyfera could only take the opportunity to rely upon ‘cool hand’ Steffan Castle, and kick over an 80+6m penalty, providing the losing bonus point. Final score 24 – 17.  

There are no easy games at this level, and Ystalyfera have to continue to treat each fixture like it is the end of season play off final. This earns the side respect and every plaudit from the supporters, knowing that we still have to play the other bottom six sides home at Ynysydarren.

Penalty count was 13 against Beddau and 20 against Ystalyfera.

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