WRU National Plate
Quarter final.
Crymych 17 Ystalyfera 28
Crymych bowed out of the WRU National Plate competition following a narrow defeat at the hands of Ystalafera but the Tawe Valley side showed just why they are currently top of the tree in Division one central.
The visitors who are currently undefeated in the league looked a well drilled outfit and even though there was very little to choose between the two teams the Swansea team took their chances when they were given the opportunity- a sure sign of a team in form.
The opening quarter was fast and furious and there was little to choose between the teams with the hosts 7-3 ahead courtesy of a try from winger Luke Carney converted by full back Steff Castle with the Crymych points coming from the boot of centre Ifan Phillips.
Ystalafera increased their lead with a Castle penalty before Phillips added another three pointer with the game swinging from end to end but the visitors grabbed a crucial score just before the break to take them 15-6 ahead when Castle touched down. The Preselimen though bounced back when busy flanker Llyr Davies barged his way over for a try following excellent work from the likes of skipper Rhys Davies, Aled Harries, Lee Griffiths, Richard Sharp-Williams, Zac France-Miller and Ryan Rees to make the half time score 15-11 to Ystalafera and leave this tense game delicately poised.
Centre Phillips slotted over a penalty early on in the second half to take his team to within a point and crank up the tension but just as Crymych looked to be taking a foothold in the game the visitors hit them with a sucker punch when scrum half Scott Gibson sneaked over for a try after good work from forwards in the shape of number eight Steffan Jones prop Marcus Davies and second row Jesse Patton and this was converted by Castle to put his team 22-14 ahead.
Phillips who was enjoying a fine game added his third penalty to reduce the deficit to only five points before two late penalties from Castle took the game away from Crymych to send the visitors through to the semi final to face Nant Conwy.
Next up for Crymych is a home league game against Gorseinon this weekend and a crucial encounter as the Preselimen have to keep up their winning streak in division one west to give them a chance of staying up.
Pictures kindly supplied by Cefin Vaughan.
