2011–12 Ystalyfera RFC season

Having finished the season before with the glory of winning the West Wales Bowl for the first time, expectancy was high at the start of the new 2011-12 season for Ystalyfera Rugby Football Club. Unfortunately a lethargic performance away to Vardre coupled with a disappointing loss to Pencoed in the second away fixture, left a feeling of ‘something missed’ which in the end did prove somewhat true. At the end of the season these two defeats would turn out to be the only losses to sides that finished below Ystalyfera in the League. Much disruption throughout the season was caused by the Wales campaign in the World Cup Tournament, resulting in longer ‘gaps’ between games. Nevertheless, Ystalyfera did re-gain their form and very good performances in October saw an away victory at Seven Sisters and a close run thing at Maesteg Quins, who were defending an undefeated home record lasting over two years and who would eventually complete the league season winning every game played. The home game against Taibach in November was lost by a single point and was an encounter which could have gone either way between sides of equal strength and ability. At the end of year/new year turnover Ystalyfera found their true capability, finishing impressive victories over Mumbles and Bryncoch, revenge defeats of Vardre and Pencoed, plus a Welsh Plate away win at struggling Aberavon Green Stars. This lifted the side to a 3rd placed promotion spot and raised confidence within the squad. A high quality 3rd Round defeat against our now familiar opponents Glynneath was followed by commanding victories against Brynamman and the luckless Aberavon Green Stars away – this our best ever win away in the National League to date (0-68).

After the Welsh ‘Grand Slam’ during March, the ‘Fera then lost three consecutive games to the sides who would finish in the top three promotion spots in the league. Maesteg Quins would be relieved however, to know they would not have to visit the Upper Swansea Valley for at least another season after another ‘feisty’ match between the sides. Ystalyfera completed the League season at home to Aberavon Green Stars with what turned out to be an all-time record victory for the Club. A score of 114 – 8 saw an accumulation of a record 18 tries, most players to score (11) – this equal to the number of players to score in the away game versus the same side, and the most points scored in a single game achieved by Damian James (38), Damian also getting a record 9 conversions as well. As the National League would re-structure to add the new Championship Division no sides were relegated so the Green Stars would become opponents for the next season as well. The last fixture was the final of the Swansea Valley Cup which Ystalyfera won for the second time in their history, a 38-22 victory over Alltwen at Trebanos.

Player achievements; Out of 39 who took part were appearances in every game (24) by prop Jonathan Williams, Lock Jesse Patton, Back Row Steffan Jones and Scrum Half/Full Back Phillip Thomas. Phillip also scored the most tries (16) this being his personal best. Dane Clancy amassed a total of 146 points with a personal best 20 penalties and 28 conversions. Damian James increased the Club record tries scored by a single player total to 144 and the Club record points total to 1,609 points. 4 players in the current squad have to date made over 300 appearances for the team, 15 players with over 100 appearances and 17 who have scored over 10 tries for the side so far.

Merits given were; Coaches players: Backs: Craig Watkins Forwards: Steffan Jones. Clubman award Damian James. Most Improved Player Ieuan Hopkins Most Promising Gareth Jones Club (Committee) Player of the Year Ashley Carter Supporters Player of the Year Steffan Jones (28% of the vote) Players Player of the Year Ashley Carter (21% of the vote)

NATIONAL LEAGUE DIVISION 3 SOUTH WEST^[1]

Ystalyfera 2011/12 Season Results^[2]

Ystalyfera 2011/12 Season Player Stats^[3]

References