DIVISION 1 WEST CENTRAL

TONDU ......................... 11 YSTALYFERA .............. 39

THE visitors raced into an early lead through a Gareth James penalty then a try for Cameron Miguel also converted by James to make it 10-0, writes Mike Sully.

But the home side soon bounced back with a Josh Tatchell penalty and an unconverted try from flanker Adam Lang, and took the lead on the stroke of half-time through another Tatchell penalty 1110 at the break.

The second half though was a one-sided affair with Tondu failing to find any momentum and Ystalyfera virtually scoring at will.

Their second try came from Nathan Cornelius as the visitors began to give Tondu a lesson in running rugby.

The next try came from Andrew Jenkins this time converted by James, the next came from Luc Caines and it was now apparent that the visitors were going to inflict a heavy defeat on the Waterwheelers in their own backyard.

Ystalyfera were now playing some wonderful rugby and put the game beyond doubt when Steffan Castle raced over for their fifth try.

Minutes from the final whistle Ryan James went over for the game’s final try which James converted and Tondu were left wondering what had hit them in that second period but could not have any complaints with the final outcome.

This Ystalyfera side will surely be in the mix at the end of the season.

On the bright side Tondu fielded the youngest side they’ve put out for a couple of seasons with four players just out of Youth and with second row Steffan Jones playing out of his skin there are a lot of pluses for the future.

Tondu face an away trip to Waunarlwydd next Saturday, when I’m sure their resilience will shine.