Fixture

Match Report- Ynysddu 2nds v Forgeside- 09/12/2017

Fact of the week:- The last time Forgeside won 3 games in a row was October 1997. This time around the committee have promised that if the club wins 5 without loss a slush puppy machine will be installed in the clubhouse.

“Remember that time we played Ynysddu seconds in the snow and they only had 6 players?”.......That’s exactly how this match will be recalled by Forgeside players for generations.

Forge turned up in Ynysddu to find the field surprisingly pliable considering snowfall across the region, more of a concern was that Ynysddu’s players were mostly snowed in with only 6 managing to make it to the club. Fortunately, Forgeside boasted a squad of 19 bolstered by a few old friends (Carter, Bondy, Nashy, Gulley and Simon). Rather than call the game off both sides agreed to make the best of the situation, being a friendly fixture the “Game On” initiative made this possible, Forgeside lent Ynysddu 6 players to make the game a 12-a-side contest. As Ynysddu’s field is larger than the hamlet of Forgeside all agreed it be best to play 30 minutes each way, this had nothing to do with the players physical conditioning.

From the start Forge ran from deep and found gaps in the defence but handling errors and cover defence kept Forge out. After 10 frustrating minutes Forge opened the scoring when prop Connor Griffiths took a short pass from Skipper Dan F, hit the line like Kate Moss and raced over form 20 yards out. This seemed to open the flood gates for Forge with a number of tries coming within quick succession. It took 3 barnstorming runs for Ynysddu to learn why it’s not wise to aim the ball towards Richard Nash at the restart. Matt Meredith scored two tries, one from the Forge 22 turning a number of defenders inside out on the way. Gareth Baxter scored out wide after the ball was quickly recycled, a well worked lineout driving maul allowed Mike Bond to cross the whitewash. The last score of the half came from scrum half Rob Livings following a superb break by workhorse flanker Bradley Jenkins. The score at half time 43-0.

At half time Forge swapped a few of the players who were helping Ynysddu, this had a positive effect on Ynysddu as the home side started to retain possession and work through the phases. The home sides first score came from one of Ynysddu’s centres with a neat chip and chase. Forge struck back through Richard Nash who crashed over carrying 3 defenders with him. Shortly after Peter Walker scored Forges final score out wide. Forge swapped more players for the last 10-15 minutes to give everyone the chance to play, then Ant Carter also arrive to play the last quarter of the game for Ynysddu. These changes shifted the momentum towards Ynysddu who quickly caught the wind in their sails and ran in 4 quick tries against a tired Forge defence. Most notably was the try scored by flanker Bradley Jenkins against his own side, in doing so he reduced his club try count from 4 down to 3. Forge were relieved at the final whistle but it would be fair to say that everyone who played enjoyed the game. A massive thank you to all the players who helped out Ynysddu so that a game could be played, particularly Leighton Williams, Bunna and Simon Davies who played a full game for the home side. Also the 6 boys from Ynysddu should be commended for their attitude and commitment in taking to the field. 

This weeks Man of the Match award went to silver fox Ioan Williams, the only remaining member for the 1997 “3 wins in a row” team for an outstanding display for both sides.

Try scorers: Matt Meredith x 2, Gareth Baxter, Connor Griffiths, Rob Livings, Mike Bond, Richard Nasy & Peter Walker.

Next week Forgeside travel to Rhyadar, everyone is welcome, Christmas jumpers are compulsory.