DIVISION 1 EAST CENTRAL

Ystrad ahead in entertaining game

YSTRAD RHONDDA ..... 8 DOWLAIS ....................... 5

THIS was a typical Valleys encounter with neither side taking a backward step and two very strong defences.

Ystrad dominated the early stages but were unable to break the Dowlais defence, after 20 minutes Dowlais was able to win some ball and an entry into the home half, a searing break by Kristian Owen broke the Ystrad defence and with Lloyd Hynes on his shoulder taking the try scoring pass.

The half time score was a slender 5-0 to Dowlais.

In the second half a penalty from Rhys Trulove made it a two-point game, and you knew that a mis- take by either side was going to be a match winner. Dowlais went close with wing Bleddyn Rees being hauled down inches from the line.

A couple of yellow cards did not help the Dowlais cause, and without their full back a try was conceded, when Dowlais knocked on and failed to clear their lines allowing wing Jarrod Llewelyn to cross in the corner for what turned out to be the winning score and some compensation for Ystrad after their close Cup defeat at Dowlais earlier in the season. Both sides should be congratulated for a tremendous effort and an entertaining game.

Saturday sees Dowlais on the Cup Trail away to Old Illtydian in Cardiff, the coach leaving at 12.00 mid day.