Ystradgynlais RFC News & Results

Afan Nedd under 10s festival

A tranquil day wedged between some horrific weather was the setting for the Afan Nedd Under-10 tournament. The pressure was on the young Blues team as their U-11 counterparts had successfully retained their district trophy the week before. A gathering of 13 teams from the district had descended on God’s country as the bristling crowd in Ystradgynlais were licking their lips in anticipation of feasting their eyes on some champagne rugby.

There were 2 groups of 4 and 1 group of 5, with the winner of each group to go through to the semi-finals plus the runner-up in the group of 5.

The large pack of the Green Stars rumbled on to the pitch filling the Blues pack with trepidation. However, within a few minutes some slick passing by the Blues’ backs enabled Ystrad to lead 2-0 at half-time and the game looking in the bag. However, the Stars hit back with a try of their own but some scrambling defence by the Blues enabled them to hold on to the win.

Score 2-1

The big game of the group pitted the mighty Blues against neighbours Glynneath with evenly matched teams taking the field. Ystrad took an early lead through some hard yards from the forwards and defended the lead well into the second half. However Glynneath scored with 2 minutes left on the clock. Ystrad pressed for the equaliser and with time running out a trademark dart down the blind from scrum-half Stefan snatched victory for the Blues.

Score 2-1

Next for the Blues was Corus who we had never played before. Their impressive winger was singled out for big tackles as soon as he received the ball but Ystrad’s dominance meant he received little of it. With both Blues backs and forwards dominating, 4 tries to nil was quickly notched up on the scoreboard. A late consolation score by Corus meant they came away from the game with something.

Score 4-1

A recent mauling by the Blues, the Seven Sisters team must have been dreading taking the field and so it transpired with Joel running their backs ragged with some impressive runs and subsequent tries. A 7-0 scoreline meant the Blues were group winners and into the semis.

Score 7-0

The semi-final draw matched us up with Glynneath again with Abercrave playing Neath Athletic. The Blues started well with a well taken try, but Glynneath hit back, but were denied a try in the corner which a TMO would have difficulty giving. Two more tries by the mighty Blues ensured the win against a valiant Glynneath side.

With Neath Athletic swamping Abercrave 7-0, the final was set for a war of attrition.

Score 3-0

A strong wind in Ystrad’s favour ensured the Blues started well, but a rare Athletic attack which resulted in a sloppy lineout gave Athletic a solid start with a try in the corner. Some sustained Ystrad pressure resulted in a cracking run by outside half Luc which was destined to be a try in the corner, but he was just bundled out by a ferocious tackle by a defender which was the turning point of the game.

The second period of the game saw Athletic pressurising the Ystrad try line and the Blues could not clear their lines with the strong prevailing winds. A second game clinching try for the Athletic ensued and the Blues were looking down the barrel of a gun. However, a trademark blind side run by scrum half Stefan brought the score to 2-1. With both Blues’ coaches dreaming of a comeback, the referee cruelly blew for full time and with that the dream of a district victory had gone.

Score 1-2

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Steve and Andrew would like to thank the players and parents for their continued support throughout the season. Both coaches are very proud of the kids!!

The junior committee would like to thank everybody involved in making the tournament such a success, with a big thanks to the ladies in the Snack Shack.