This local derby encounter was by no means a classic. But supporters were treated to value for money with the outcome in doubt right until the final whistle.
From the kick off the Bwl soon had their visitors under pressure. But the Rhydyfelin defence line proved hard to crack.
And it was Rhydyfelin first on the score-sheet. From their first attack a simple backline handling move earned the first try for David Gratton. The fullback converted his own try.
The Bwl began to get the better of their opponents up front but failed to turn their advantage into points. With half an hour of play gone the Bwl were temporary reduced to 14 following a Sean Ireland yellow card offence. Gratton successfully slotted over the penalty; the Bwl had by this time seen 3 penalty attempts of their own sail wide of the posts.
Rhydyfelin themselves were soon a man short following the second yellow card of the afternoon and the visitors again found themselves resolutely defending their try line.
On the stroke of half time the home side’s pressure paid off with wing Gareth King touching down in the corner.
Half time: Ynysybwl 5 Rhydyfelin 10
Rhydyfelin started the second half the stronger. The Bwl held their opponents out and were soon back in Rhydyfelin territory. A mistake in attack was however punished as Gratton picked up a loose ball and raced up field to restore the visitors ten point advantage.
It was almost an immediate response from the Bwl. Following some slick handling the ball found Alun Thomas. He still had a lot of work to do but the young number 8 powered his way over for a try.
Rhydyfelin had warned before the kick off that depletion of their squad meant they did not have their quota of front row replacements. And with 20 minutes remaining passive scrums were introduced.
Rhydyfelin had not allowed the Bwl to dominate proceedings in the second half. As the game edged to the final whistle the Bwl had their visitors under the cosh. But once more the Rhydyfelin defence held firm.
The Bwl gained a loosing bonus point for their efforts in this their last home game of the season.
