Maesteg again fail to turn dominance into points

MAESTEG RFC ............ 13 YSTALYFERA .............. 20

THREE games, three narrow losses, were not what was expected in this mid season dip in results, but three losing bonus points helped to cushion the fact that possession, pressure, and territorial advantage does not on times transfer themselves into wins.

Maesteg started the match on the front foot but it was the visitors who drew first blood with a penalty from Dan Davies. Both sides then missed kicks at goal before Ystalyfera went further ahead when a chip over the top was well taken by centre Rob Stephens, with Dan Davies adding the extra points. Several attacks by Maesteg did not bear fruit until a penalty 45 metres out saw Aled Davies make it 3-10 at half time.

It did not take long for The Old Parish to get back on terms when from a lineout 40 metres out the ball was spun wide where a delicate pop pass from Sam Griffiths put co centre Aled Davies through the gap with the scorer converting his own touchdown.

Maesteg through forwards and backs looked to increase their lead so it was against the run of play when Dan Davies put the visitors 13-10 ahead with his second penalty of the afternoon.

With Ystalyfera jumper tucking the ball late in the game in an attempt to hold on to their narrow lead it was a shock to all when a copycat chip over the top saw Wayne Roberts go over for Dan Davies to convert.

In response to the seeming injustice of it all Maesteg threw everything forward and were rewarded with penalty at a ruck 30 metres out for Aled Davies to draw them to seven points for a 1320 loss but a bonus point saved.