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Match Report

Ystrad Rhondda 18 Ynysybwl 10

Yet again Ystrad rung the changes with no fewer than seven alterations from the starting side which comprehensively beat the same opposition in their District Cup quarter final match 3-40 a couple of Friday’s ago.
The home team were reminded constantly in the previous week this Ynysbwl outfit would be on the road looking to inflict revenge for such a drubbing & they had the backing of wins in their last six league ties as proof of their credentials.
Ystrad suffered an early blow when promising recent signing Tom Hocking had to leave the field as early as the 10th minute when the flanker received a knee injury, he was replaced by Thomas Hetherington.
The “Bwl” had the better of the early exchanges utilising a far bigger pack to good effect & it was down to a stout defensive effort by the home team, full back Dylan Jones standing out with a couple of massive hits, which kept the scorer unoccupied.
Forwards Coach Mike Griffiths has instilled into the players a good work ethic & there were signs in the second quarter that the fitter & more patient Ystrad pack were starting to wear away at the opposition & this helped second rows Greg Booth & Captain Chris Hanly take charge of the lineouts.
Flanker Neil Walker yet again made a nuisance of himself by harassing the Bwl half backs & from a Walker turnover in the loose Ystrad spread the ball wide for wing Daniel Hitchins to run in his first league try.
Ystrad looked to play an entertaining brand of running rugby but were so often denied by the Bwl killing ruck ball which resulted in one supporter vociferously questioning whether Ynysybwl were sponsored by “Beds Direct”. Despite this Ystrad created more chances to score than the 5-0 half time score suggested.
Outside half Wayne Jervis registered his first points of the afternoon with a well struck penalty when off the top lineout ball provided by Booth was quickly shipped out by scrum half Ben Daniels to Jervis & centre James Davies did well to smash over the gain line only to see the visitors prevent the ball from being released.
A further penalty by Jervis edged the Div 2 Highflyers 11 points ahead & the game ended as a contest when Hitchins gathered a defensive kick on half way & showed his speed by rounding his opposite number before cutting inside & offloading to prop Neil Jones who set up quick ruck ball for the backs & when Jervis appeared to be sending out a long pass the experienced number 10 dummied the defenders to storm over from 20 yards for a converted try & kept up his good work for the afternoon .
Ystrad continued to play an expansive game as they went in search a 4 try bonus point & with the Ystrad scrum finishing the stronger, young tight head Chris Waygood again showing he is one for the future along with loose head Neil Jones who is equally comfortable with the ball in hand, yet try scoring opportunities too often went begging.
Ynysybwl were rewarded for their determination with a well worked try from a driving lineout & in injury time they crossed for another to leave the scoreline slightly flattering for the visitors.
Ystrad will be pleased with the win & the fact they created many try scoring chances but will hope to have a full compliment in training as they prepare for a massive game away v Abercynon on Friday night.