DIVISION 1 WEST CENTRAL
YSTALYFERA .............. 17 MAESTEG QUINS ....... 26
FOR the final time this season, the Quins journeyed from the Llynfi valley, with WRU Plate semifinalists Ystalyfera lying in wait at their Ynysdarren home.
The pace of the game and ball-in-play time was exceptionally high.
A ruck offence allowed Geraint Evans to open the scoring with a penalty. Ystalyfera put in a superbly weighted cross kick that bounced perfectly for right winger Steffan Jones and he sprinted 70 yards down the slope. Outstripping the final defenders, Jones raced under the posts. Gareth James converted.
Ystalyfera entered the Quins half for a second time and extended their lead with a James penalty.
Patience was the key for while they defended stoutly, Ystalyfera were prone to indiscipline. Geraint Evans cut the hosts’ lead to a single point as he completed a hat-trick of penalties in a first half which the Quins dominated.
At the start of the second half, Ystalyfera dominated possession and territory. Relieving kicks were scuffed and skewed giving ’Fera attacking opportunities. Finally, the Quins broke out. Inches from the line, the ball was killed. Home full-back Jesse Patton was binned and the Quins booted to touch. A driving maul was excellently executed and Dean Ronan scored. Evans converted.
From the restart the Quins seized the initiative with an individual moment of excellence. At a ruck on the Quins 10 yards line, Geraint Watkin spied there were no “pillars”. In an instant he embarked on a 60-yard run that ended with him evading every would-be defender for a fantastic touchdown under the sticks. Evans converted.
The Quins may have created a breathing space, but Ystalyfera are diamonds. Rough, but they are difficult to crack. They do not breakdown and certainly don’t capitulate. As expected, ’Fera played with even greater ferocity.
Phase after phase, ’Fera’s hefty forwards incessantly picked up and drove. In a phenomenal rearguard, the Quins defence was at its airtight best. The manner in which players shored up the human wall was impressive.
Commanding the line was Nathan Smith. Lewis Tutt instigated many a move. Steve Williams, Tutt, Aled Edwards, along with Lee and Jay Ro- nan stole possession and forced turnovers at many rucks. However, a penalty was gained and Evans maintained his 100% record to put more than two scores between the teams. Another pronounced period of pressure was inflicted upon the Quins. Again the threat was met with a sterling resolve, tackling incessantly and winning turnovers. That was until the final scrum rolled towards the line and Ystalyfera gleaned a penalty try.