01 November 2007
Ynysddu v Gilfach Goch
Ynysddu showed tremendous character and pride in their Welsh Cup match against division 3 side Gilfach Goch. With a depleted side and in difficult conditions, (driving rain) coach John Helmore still managed to get the team to play attacking exciting rugby.
It was the visitors big, well drilled pack that was to be the undoing of the Dee's in the end. Their experience enabled them to get two pushover tries and a penalty try which the home side could not prevent. Ynysddu could well have thrown in the towel before a ball was kicked as their injury/ unavailability list escalated. They lost their leading try scorer, capt and centre Martin Gleadall, goal kicking full back Craig Huish, fly half Grant Robson and wing Dickie Grey from the three-quarters. In the pack a complete back-row was missing, Rhys Parry, Gareth Arnold, and Kevin Adams as well as 2nd row Paul Henderson and prop Lloyd Jones.
From the kick off Ynysddu tore into Gilfach and had they had a bit of luck could well have gone in at half time ahead. Twice scrum half Byron Williams was tackled just short of the try line. The tenacious No. 9 had an outstanding game and proved a thorn in the side of visitors all afternoon, both in attack and defence. Another player giving Gilfach problems was Nathan Dinez with his powerful barnstorming runs. He was also denied a touch down when the ball was knocked out of his hands with the line beckoning. Dinez has made an impressive transition from centre to flanker this season and is relishing the extra contact opportunities he is being given.
The unfortunate penalty try came just on half time when the Dee's were down to 14 after flanker Matthew Whitecombe had received a yellow card. As the home sides scrum was being pushed back their feet went in the wet conditions and the referee deemed it collapsing and awarded the penalty try.
Half Time 0 - 7
As the game went on Gilfach still failed to penetrate Ynysddu's unflinching defence with attacking rugby and on many an occasion had their hands full containing the Dee's attacks. But when they reverted to tactical kicking and using their big forwards they had much more reward. Their two pushovers and a final try in the last minute all came from powerful scrummaging.
Final score 0 - 24
Plus points for Ynysddu from this encounter was the commitment of the players, no one gave up, they all kept contesting to the final whistle. Also young Kevin Chamberlain proved what an exceptional player he is. Stepping into the fly half role he produced the mature, controlling game that will see his versatility used fully this season.
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