Match Reports 2007/8
Ystrad Rhondda (33) Tredegar (14)
Sept 22nd 2007
Match Report by Lyndon Evans
Ystrad Rhondda on their own patch out-muscled a spirited
performance by the visitors pack with a second-half bullying performance giving
the inexperienced Tredegar backs a lesson in fronting up.
The former first division team showed their intent imediately playing the
percentage game and kicking for position pinning Tredegar back time and time
again. With first half tries from full back Phillips and flanker Hughes
adding to Dylan Jones' 2 conversions and single penalty goal, Ystrad looked
likely to record another big score to keep their unbeaten record.
However the Tredegar pack started to exert their authority and dominated most
phases of play with Stuart Jarman providing the attacking thrust from the
base of the scrum but all to often lacked the support for Tredegar to take
advantage of the hard yards gained by the ball carrier. Paul Douglas was immense
in the front row whilst Ryan Williams and John Osborne had the better of
their opponents.
With the Tredegar pack dominating, twoDarryl Carter penalties were followed
by Craig Lewis fielding a high ball releasing Dan Davies with a slick reverse
pass to send the speedster over with Tredegar trailing by just six points
at the interval.
A Darryl Carter penalty saw Tredegar reduce the deficit and Tredegar were
unlucky not to score shortly after the restart. With Ystrad unable to thwart
the Tredegar forward effort their experienced back line resorted to bullying
tactics and when their centre James Davies without provocation ran five yards
to attack the young Tredegar centre partnership, the game turned and the home
side then used every tactic to ensure they emerged with a win.
Poor tactics, wrong options and poor decisions by the visitors allowed the
home side to dictate matters and with three players yellow carded by the ref
,Tredegar's effort could not turn the tide and with two dubious tries scored
after some controversional referee's decisions Ystrad extend their lead to
run out winners 33 points to 14.