Ystradgynlais RFC News & Results

Ystradgynlais Afan Nedd under 11s champions report

Last Sunday, Ystradgynlais under 11’s travelled to Aberavon Green Stars to defend the Afan Nedd district championship they had won on home soil the previous year. With Glynneath, Tonmawr and Ystradgynlais all coming into the competition full of confidence, this years tournament promised to be one of the most hotly contested for many a year. The tournament was made of 15 teams split into three groups of 5. Each group winner would progress through to the semi finals along with one best qualifier.

First up for the young blues were last seasons beaten finalist, Tonmawr. The game was dominated by the strong defences of both sides, with neither team wanting to slip up so early on in the tournament. Ystrad did however try to play a wide open game to combat Tonmawr’s strength and size up front. But the bigger boys from the Pelena Valley were full of energy so early on in the tournament and defended a small pitch with ease. The match finished 0 – 0, with both sides happy to move on to the next game, and come through a difficult opener undefeated.

Next for Ystrad were Neath village side, Tonna. Having not played them since beating them 49 pts to nil in last seasons tournament, Ystrad’s young stars could have been forgiven for thinking they had an easy match in front of them. Not so, as Tonna soaked up loads of early pressure and kept the score 0 – 0 at the break. The second half was just as one sided as the first, but when Ystrad spilled good possession deep in opposition territory, Tonna’s young centre picked up the loose ball and raced the length of the field to score. Tonna were one minute away from causing the upset of the season and sending the defending champions out of this years tournament. Now knowing the next stoppage in play would bring the game to an end, Ystrad composed themselves, dug deep and put together the best move of the match, resulting in winger Alex Malgat crossing in the corner unopposed.

Final score Ystrad 5, Tonna 5.

Tries scored by: - Alex Malgat

Having now played two and drawn two, Ystrad knew they had to win and win well if their dream of lifting the trophy for a third time in four seasons were to come true.

They started strongly and scored two early tries through Callum Close and Carwyn Davies. Briton Ferry had no answer to the pace and quick off loads of the rampant Ystrad pack and Morgan Nickels cashed in scoring Ystrad’s third early in the second half. Alex Malgat sealed the win when out side half, Iwan Evans worked the blind side and fed his winger who then out paced his opposite number to score his second try of the day.

Final Score: - Ystrad 20, Briton Ferry 0.

Tries Scorers: - Callum Close, Carwyn Williams, Morgan Nickels, Alex Malgat

In the forth and final pool game, Bryncoch were unable to field a full quota of players, so the game was reduced to 8-a-side. This suited Ystrad’s free flowing and open style of rugby and the boys took full advantage. First Half tries were scored by Alex Malgat, Jamie Clist and Iwan Evans. The rout continued in the second half when Josh Hoar and Luc Williams both scored great team tries. The fact that 4 of the 5 tries were scored by backs highlights the way that Ystrad try to play their rugby.

With pool 3 matches now complete, and Tonmawr finishing top, Ystrad now had an anxious wait to see if they were to qualify as the best runner up. It was a nervous 30 minutes, but Aberavon Green Stars beat Corus by one try to nil, ensuring Ystrad moved onto the semi-finals.

Final Score: - Ystrad 25, Bryncoch 0

Tries Scorers: -Alex Malgat, Jamie Clist, Iwan Evans, Josh Hoar, Luc Williams

In the semi final, Ystrad faced probably the biggest set of forwards you will see playing under 11’s rugby. This however didn’t phase the faster, fitter Ystrad players, who were by now playing their best rugby of the tournament, and were fast acquiring an appetite for the challenges that lay ahead. After dominating early possession, Iwan Evans broke through some weak Aberavon tackling and opened the scoring with a 20 metre dart for the line. Soon after Alex Malgat scored his forth of the tournament, again out pacing the desperate covering defence. In the second half Aberavon did mount a challenge when they stole front of the line out ball 5m out, and there was no stopping the big Green Stars prop from close range. Iwan Evans then sealed the win with his second of the game arching outside two defenders and diving for the corner in a desperate bid to stay in play. Aberavon then scored a consolation try right on the final whistle, with the big blond prop yet again rumbling over from 10 meters out. This brought an end to the match and Ystrad found themselves in yet another District final.

Final Score: - Ystrad 15, Aberavon Green Stars 10

Try Scorers: - Iwan Evans (2), Alex Malgat

Ystrad’s Opponents in the 2008 final were Glynneath, who needed the toss of a coin to help them through their semi final match against Tonmawr. A full game plus an additional 10 minutes of sudden death couldn’t separate the two sides. Therefore bringing the dreaded coin in to play.

When the final eventually got underway, The Junior Blues were straight out of the blocks, constantly attacking the Glynneath try line with phase after phase of smooth well organised rugby. This was typical of the full game, as Glynneath were made to defend their try line for most of the match, and only rarely venturing out of their own half in attack. However for all the their pressure, Ystrad were unable to score the vital try, and credit must go to Glynneath for their stubborn defence.

With the first half of sudden death underway Ystrad were awarded a penalty inside Glynneath’s half. Ystrad, like they had done throughout the tournament opted to take it quickly. Ifan Hopkins carries the ball closer to the opposition try line before popping a short inside ball to Callum Close, whose straight running wrong foots the Glynneath defence and powers through some weak tackles to score. As Callum crosses the line and places the ball, he sends his team mates, coaches and supporters into hysteria. The celebration that followed was a huge release of energy, delight and satisfaction and showed how much this victory meant to the players of Ystradgynlais Junior Blues.

Ystrad had struggled to cope with the size of some players in the early stages of the this competition, but as the tournament progressed , the bigger boys started to tire, and Ystrad’s fitness, ball skills, awareness of space and their unselfish team spirit shone through. Giving the ball to a "basher" and dragging the entire team over the try line with him has never been or never will be the way we coach Junior rugby at Ystradgynlais U11’s. Congratulations Ystrad, you’re a credit to your coaches, your club, and more importantly your selves.

Final Score: - Ystrad 5, Glynneath 0. (Extra Time)

Try Scorers: - Callum Close