Ynysddu RFC

X: Welcome

9999-01-01T12:03:00.000Z

Dear Rugby Visitor,

Welcome to Ynysddu Rugby Club's website. I hope that you enjoy looking at the match reports, pictures and history of the club. You'll also find some faces that will be familiar if you've played at the club and you may even see yourself in there somewhere! I'd also like to take this chance to invite you to the club to watch our games this coming season - you'll find the dates in the fixtures section.

X: Latest Events

2049-01-01T00:00:00.000Z

X: League Table 2007/8

2008-05-01T11:00:00.000+01:00

Division Five East League Table

If this league table is not up to date then it can also be viewed on the WRU site here.

X: Fixtures 2007/8

2008-05-01T10:08:00.004+01:00

Date	Time	Home	Score	Away
September 2007
01/09/2007	14:30	Oakdale RFC	21 - 15	Ynysddu RFC
08/09/2007	14:30	Ynysddu RFC	24 - 27	Caldicot RFC
22/09/2007	14:30	Llanhilleth RFC	15 - 7	Ynysddu RFC
October 2007
13/10/2007	14:30	Ynysddu RFC	0 - 22	Trinant RFC
20/10/2007	14:30	RTB (Ebbw Vale) RFC	5 - 38	Ynysddu RFC
November 2007
03/11/2007	14:30	Ynysddu RFC	8 - 11	Usk RFC
10/11/2007	14:30	Crumlin RFC	20 - 3	Ynysddu RFC
December 2007
01/12/2007	14:30	Ynysddu RFC	10 - 3	Blaenavon RFC
January 2008
05/01/2008	14:30	Bettws (Newport) RFC	3 - 0	Ynysddu RFC
12/01/2008	14:30	Ynysddu RFC	v	Oakdale RFC
19/01/2008	14:30	Caldicot RFC	22 - 8	Ynysddu RFC
26/01/2008	14:30	Ynysddu RFC	30 - 21	Llanhilleth RFC
February 2008
08/12/2007	14:30	Chepstow RFC	13 - 0	Ynysddu RFC
16/02/2008	14:30	Trinant RFC	13 - 0	Ynysddu RFC
March 2008
01/03/2008	14:30	Ynysddu RFC	20 - 14	RTB (Ebbw Vale) RFC
22/03/2008	14:30	Usk RFC	39 - 3	Ynysddu RFC
29/03/2008	14:30	Ynysddu RFC	3 - 22	Crumlin RFC
April 2008
05/04/2008	14:30	Blaenavon RFC	48 - 7	Ynysddu RFC
12/04/2008	14:30	Ynysddu RFC	0 - 31	Chepstow RFC
26/04/2008	14:30	Bettws (Newport) RFC	46 - 3	Ynysddu RFC

Complete League Listing:"); include("/home/sites/site7/web/feed/table.html");} ?>

Ynysddu RFC v RTB Ebbw Vale

2008-03-05T20:22:00.002Z

The Dee's gained their first double of the season with a 20 points to 14 win over RTB Ebbw Vale. In a disappointing match the home side were lucky to come away with the win in the end let alone the bonus points they had anticipated.

It all started well enough for the Dee's as they began moving the visitors around the park with some good open attacking rugby. But after an excellent early try by fullback Rhys Evans which was converted by Craig Huish they began to struggle.

Line out ball was being lost, the scrums were going backwards and the passing of the ball left a lot to be desired. With so much going wrong for Ynysddu, RT's saw their chance and began to dominate for long periods. Their forwards were picking up and driving with so much success that the home sides penalty count for infringing finally lead to Barry Curtis having 10 Min's in the bin.

Before they knew it the Dee's 10 point lead (a further penalty by Craig Huish) had gone and it was now 10 - 14 to RTB. Only some outstanding covering by Chris Arnold and Byron Williams saved them from being further behind at half time.

In the second half a superb passage of play following a bulldozing run by young No 8 Nathan Jones gave Capt Martin Gleadall a sniff of the try line. There was no stopping the powerful centre as his angle of running cut the visitors three-quarters to line pieces. Craig Huish converted and with his earlier penalty took the score to 20 - 14.

The last quarter saw both sides prepared to play open rugby as RT's tried to snatch a win and Ynysddu went for the bonus points. But neither side could produce that bit of flair/skill necessary to achieve what they wanted.

Watts & Waggs - Hypnotist Dilemma

2008-01-31T17:42:00.001Z

Yet another extraordinary meeting, oops!!! sorry Jaff seminar was called after the last show in the club lead to some radical behaviour. Gwyn (Iron-sides) Edwards the club legal eagle said he was looking into the possibility of suing the agency. The problems came to light when club coach Grant Robson had a phone call from the Ynysddu Welfare football team. They informed him that Ashley Reed had been found on their bus as they pulled into Breacon claiming he was Ryan Giggs and and wanted to play for them. When Robson arrived in the club he found Joe Watts walking around the room asking everyone " have you seem my budgie ". As Robo was about to sort out the situation young Nathan Jones bumped into him and when he was told him he would be going on 2nd half his reply was "that's ok I can fly now ".

The seminar came to an abrupt halt when Rhino arrived wearing a short pink mini skirt, stockings, crop top and high heeled shoes. Edwards said that's it, the club will definitely have to sue! Ken Thomas, always the gentleman, got up and pulled a chair out for Rhino to sit down and asked the secretary to move on to the next item. As the committee huddled together to decide how much to drop the price of lager, beer and Magners this coming International weekend, Dawn entered the room. On seeing the huddle she asked, what on earth are you lot doing ? voting for a new Pope or deciding the new hand shake of the Masons. Rhino got up and turned around to see who was there and on seeing him she screamed and was last seen running from the club.

Shaun Phillips informed the rest of the committee that the players would like to know where Phil Harvey gets the blue tablets from that he gives them before kick off. They are concerned that since they have been taking them three players, Arnie, Byron and Barry have become fathers, Lawson said there is no need to worry as all the committee take them as well and all our wives are very happy!!!.

Ynysddu v Llanhilleth

2008-01-27T20:42:00.001Z

Ynysddu capt Martin Gleadall celebrated his 30th birthday in style leading his side to a 30 - 21 victory over Llanhilleth, and with the Dee's scoring 5 tries they also gained much needed maximum bonus points.

The home side had a dream start scoring two tries in the opening ten minutes. Gleadall converted the first, scored by big second row forward Ed Oakley, then supplied a cleaver chip over the visitors defence for full back Craig Huish to run onto for the second. If the home side thought it was going to be an easy afternoon they were in for a shock as Llanhilleth stepped up a gear and came back at them scoring two very good tries themselves. Just before half time Ynysddu increased their lead to 20-14 with a penalty by Gleadall and a try from Kevin Chamberlain after some excellent work by Dickie Henderson and Wayne Jones.

Llanhilleth put the home scrum under the cosh after they lost their 2nd row Rhys Gladwyn for 10 min's (yellow card). Their pressure finally paid off when the referee awarded them a penalty try and they took the lead 20 - 21. With Gladwyn back in the fray the Dee's started playing with their new found confidence and they put together some terrific rugby. Fly half Grant Robson began to boss the game releasing his backs when any opportunity arose and kicking for the corners to keep Llanhilleth in their own half. As Ynysddu upped their game the visitors began to tire and Matthew Whitcome finished off a Robson break to score in the corner. The final nail in Llanhilleths coffin was administered by Man of the Match and new Dad scrum half Byron Williams who jinked in from 30 metre to cap an outstanding performance both in attack and defence.

Ynysddu v Caldicot

2008-01-22T19:16:00.001Z

Ynysddu new it was going to be difficult going to top of the table Caldicot with no recognised scrum half available. But when they saw the condition of the pitch after all the rain it was also very obvious that any mistakes were going to be costly.

Coach, Grant Robson stepped into bridge the gap left by regular scrum half's Byron Williams and Craig Huish, and he revealed in the challenge. Luckily for him Shane Rees was at no.8 and for the second match in succession he had an outstanding game, his handling in atrocious conditions was exceptional. Time and again he cleaned up bad ball and somehow managed to get over the gain line. The big no.8 is really making a name for himself at Ynysddu.

The Dee's couldn't have had a worse possible start, with the ref's whistle still ringing in their ears from the kick off they tried to play the sort of rugby you would normally associate with perfect conditions. Not surprisingly the ball was dropped and the home side were gifted a run in from close range. The visitors then settled down to the job in hand and doggedly held on until a minute from half time before leaking another score, this time from a pushover try. Only being 10 - nil down and having faced the playing the wind and driving rain Ynysddu must have thought they were in with a real chance of another upset.

In the second half the Dee's used the elements to great effect putting Caldicot under a lot of pressure and it was not long before they got points on the board with a penalty by Martin Gleadall. High up and unders were the order of the day and the home side were finding it difficult getting out of their half. The game swung back in Caldicots favour after a rare incursion into the Dee's 25 and from a scrum near the line they squeezed in at the corner for a third try. Ynysddu's reply was to put together a fine passage of play before Robson and Dickie Gray worked wing Shaun Meyrick into some space and the speedy winger raced in at the corner.

With the condition of the pitch getting worse, it was difficult to tell one mud covered player from another so any ball on the floor seemed fare game. A penalty to Caldicot saw the Dee's punished further for disputing the decision and this gave the home side a last chance for a bonus point. They kicked for the corner ,won the line out and from a rolling maul gained their forth try, which was converted. Final score 22 - 8. Simple mistakes cost Ynysddu dear and to bounce back next week at home against Llanhilleth they will hope to have the tenacity of Byron Williams back in the backs and the experience of Rhys Gladwyn in the pack.

Ynysddu v Bettws

2008-01-07T22:08:00.001Z

Atrocious weather, wind, rain and hailstones just before kick off turned a very good playing surface into one that was going to test the players skills to the limit. In the end the Dee's just failed to grab the points and start the New Year with a win, eventually going down 3 - 0. It was never going to be pretty and it was always going to be close. So on reflection a quickly taken penalty close to the Bettws posts may not have been the right decision to take, but hindsight is a wonderful thing. On the other hand the Dee's could have scored from it and then it would have been a gutsy and courageous piece of play that won the day.

Had Ynysddu been able to secure some good ball and got their hard working back-row going forward they may have snatched it, but all too often they were denied time and space by a very well organised and experienced Bettws side. Scrum half Byron Williams had a frustrating afternoon, he not only had to take scrum ball going backwards but also had to deal with poorly tapped line out ball as well. It is lucky for the Dee's he possess an abundance of strength and determination and never gives up.

There is a very good side in the making at Ynysddu and it is not far away from fruition, good results in the next three games are vital if they are to make an impression on their league position.

Boxing Day Match

2008-01-07T21:08:00.000Z

Congratulations to Jaffa, coaches John Helmore and Grant Robson for managing to organise a superb Boxing Day Past v Present game at such short notice after Risca called off.

Looking at the teams assembled it was always going to be a close result, and so it turned out with the past winning 15 - 12. From the start all the past players supporters were confident that any ball on the ground was theirs as John Hillman and Shaun Rendall won the lions share by fair means or foul, (mainly foul).
In the backs they also had some big tacklers in Paul Finn, Trigger, and Ollie so the first XV were always going to have to work hard for their points.

The past took an early lead with a Kevin Price try which they extended to 10 points after Dickie Gray dived over in the corner. With the first team trying to play 100 MPH free flowing rugby the old heads on the past just waited for the ball to be dropped, then in they pounced. The tactics they then used were simple, make the opposition turn and run back. Then as they tried to run out of defence make the tackles count and wait for mistake's, of which on a Boxing Day there were going to be plenty.

Adding to the 1st XV woe was coach John Helmore who ran around all the game selling dummies as if he was working in Mother Care, to make things worse the first side were all buying them. Along side him Steve Bowen was being complemented for his fitness until it was noticed that he was coming off for a rest every 10 minutes. Then there was genuine concern for right wing Nigel Meaders, who's white shorts were that big, it was felt a strong wind may inflate them and lift him like a hot air balloon into mountain side.

Tron at full back took unfair advantage of the past team when he donned a Father Christmas hat and beard and ran 60 metres without being tackled, he knew none of the past wanted their children to see them hurting Father Christmas. He may well have scored but for a gust of wind which removed the expenditure and Paul Finn unceremoniously dumped him. The firsts took heart when Byron Williams darted over to score and this was quickly followed by a Matthew Whitecombe try converted by Ashley Reed. A quiet word in the ref's ear by Past captain Jaffa, along with a brown envelope, as they jogged back for the restart saw the game end at the next breakdown giving the past another fine win. Well done to everyone who took part and a sincere thank you from the committee and supporters of Ynysddu RFC for a very entertaining match. See you next year.

Watt's and Wagg's extraordinary twist

2008-01-04T19:05:00.000Z

An emergency semina was called when two committee men watching the Newport Gwent Dragons v Llanelli Scarlets on S4C spotted Waggs in what looked like intense negotiations with Alex Popham and two Scarlets 'Big Wigs'. Jaffa opened proceedings commenting that on boxing day he had over heard Waggs girlfriend saying how handsome he had looked in a Scarlets shirt, but thought no more of it.

Mike Stephens then added that he was at the game and had passed by the above mentioned get-together on his way back from the bar with 6 pints. When questioned by the chairman as to who else was with him Stephens replied, only me, but I have a bad leg and wanted to save myself another journey before half time. Rhino complemented Stephens on his good thinking!

Stephens went on that he definitely saw an envelope pass hands and it was definitely brown. He also added that at half time, whilst in the queue for another six pints he was behind the Big Wigs who he heard say, (quote)"Well he can cover Mark Jones on International Matches and we only have to change the M for a W in our programme which will save us money" (unquote). The chairman then asked Stephens if he had anything else to report and he replied no everything else is a blurrrr!!!! but I think the Dragons won.

Shaun Phillips proposed that we offer Wagg's centre spread in the new club calender, captaincy of the beach 7's team on tour in St Jean De Lux, a promise that every time we win ball from now on it will be passed to him. And finally that the club will change next years strip to match Scarlets. All agreed and Rhino sent Ashley to find a bigger envelope than Scarlets used to put the inducements in. Watt's asked if we were now going to discuss his second broken nose which he received on boxing day. He said all he could vaguely remember was side stepping 8 past players, handing off 4 more, bouncing Shaun Rendall then when held by 6 others getting a whack in the face. He continued that two highly respected stalwarts of the club, Arthur Padfield and Dai Rees witnessed Wagg's running away laughing just after the incident. Lawson Short ask him if he had been smoking anything before the game as he could not remember the run in question but he would ask the clubs investigator Gwyn 'Chief Ironsides' Edwards to look into it. Rhino stepped in saying that in light of what has happened, Wagg's, like the sponsors, committee, lottery team, bar staff and Dawn he was now untouchable. The chairman's snoring had become too loud to continue so the seminar ended. To be continued...

Waggs and Watts continued

2007-12-28T18:25:00.001Z

Before the meeting could commence Jaffa proposed the club moved into the 21st century and no longer had a meeting but a seminar instead, the committee agreed. Nigel Meaders and 25 players immediately made a dash for the door and only stopped when the Chairman slammed his Black Belt on the table. When asked where they were going Meaders replied for a P and get some crisps before the film starts. It was pitifully to see Jaffa's head slowly lower to his hands and hear him muttering "I just don't believe this lot".

Never one to miss an opportunity to get his FLIP CHART out, club secretary and highly respected lecturer, Lawson Short proceeded to give a lesson on the difference between seminar and cinema. This had an adverse effect on the chairman and three quarters of everyone present, they fell asleep! As Short moved to turn yet another page of the flip chart Waggs seized his chance. He accused Watt's of not passing him the ball in either of the last two games and training sessions. Coach John Helmore threatened to bang both their heads together unless they sorted themselves out. Captain Martin Gleadall commented that since Watt's and Ashley had appeared on the TV show "How to look good naked" they did seem to pass the ball to each other a lot.

Ashley said that whilst they were talking about him could he bring up the subject of the club paying for the creatine he is now taking in preparation for the clubs nude 2008 calendar. This woke up the chairman (Ken Black Belt Thomas) who stated he would not risk upsetting Dawn by having Smutty, Percy Filth photo's in his new Posh club. Rhino explained that it was all right, it would all be done in the "best possible taste". Ashley was then told he would not be needed for the calendar as the ladies appearing in it only wanted to pose draped over Matthew Whitcombes body. The committee had therefore decided on 12 different posses of Matt and the girls be taken and 11 other players heads be cut and pasted onto his body. Mark Thomas asked for 20 copies of his photo as he has never had a six pack before.

It was then that the door opened to reveal Spencer Harris and Barry Curtis Snr beckoning to the chairman. They informed him that Gardeners World was about to start and in this episode Alan Titmarsh was showing how to grow prize parsnips. Thomas quickly downed his drink (half a Buckleys with a Manns top, cherry and slice of lemon) and left the meeting. Rhino shrugged his shoulders and said ah well that's that then, anyone who wants to stay and listen to Short, who was still lecturing could do so. To be continued...

Watts and Waggs

2007-12-12T12:16:00.001Z

This serial is a consequence of Joe Watt's and Wayne Jones (Waggs) both breaking their noses in the Trinant match.

With the Chepstow game called off Waggs seized the opportunity to confront the committee as to why Joe had received preferential treatment over him. Waggs complaint is that Joe has had a cosmetic makeover to straighten his nose and was given three weeks off by John Helmore. All he got was Cotton wool stuffed up his by Phil Harvey and told to "get back on you tart" in a very harsh voice which he is not used to.

Club Chairman, Mr Kenneth 'Black Belt' Thomas explained that the committee felt obligated to send Joe to the eminent plastic surgeon Dr Snowt because of his blossoming modelling career. Waggs retort was "What fl..p..g modelling career?" I don't think page three in the Christmas Edition of the Big Issue constitutes a modelling career. Especially as he is dressed as Father Christmas and has a full white beard. In any case the rest of the team have told me they think that my nose is prettier than his without surgery.

This enraged Watts who sprung to his feet, and after striking a very good pose. Which got a round of applause and a few wolf whistles from his team mates verbally attacked Waggs. He said he no longer wanted him to be Rudolf in the photo shoot and he was never going to pass him the ball again.

The Chairman then intervened saying all real rugby players should have broken noses "like what they did in my day". Gwyn (Rhino ) Williams seconded the motion and volunteered to do the breaking. He said he would begin with players names starting with A and work through the alphabet. Proceedings were then held up as Ashley Reed had fainted. Joe rushed to Ashleys side saying that the young up and coming star had also just signed up to the same modelling agency. A great deal of serious discussion then took place between the players as to who was going to win America's Next Top Model. Team manager Ian 'Jaffa' Jones was then seen leaving the meeting with his shoulders drooping, head in hands muttering "I DON'T BELIEVE IT", what have I done to deserve this. The club secretary Lawson Short then woke up the chairman to end the meeting. To be continued!!!

Ynysddu v Blaenavon

2007-12-06T14:15:00.001Z

Ynysddu received the perfect early Christmas present, a home win against undefeated league leaders Blaenavon.

In conditions best described as "not conducive to running rugby" both teams should be congratulated on producing a pulsating encounter. The visitors showed from the off why they are top of the table, their slick handling, powerful forward charges and rolling mauls only failed to bring rewards by the outstanding home defence. The Dee's tackled like their lives depended on it, time and again they denied the visitors what looked like a certain score. Home supporters were comparing their teams heroics to Roakes Drift and who would be getting the VC's in the clubhouse afterwards.

The visitors early successful penalty was countered by a Byron Williams try which was converted by Martin Gleadall. The Dee's scrum half causes so much bedlam in the opposing back row that he is providing vital space and opportunities for his fellow players around him. Both he and his fly half Grant Robson also put in their fare share of big hits which was a major factor in securing the win. If Ynysddu can produce more performances like this then they will take a few more scalpes before the end of the season. A penalty by Gleadall was the only other score in the match but the character and pride they showed to defend that narrow margin to the end was admirable.

Coach John Helmore needed only to make one substitution during the match. He brought on Rhys Gladwyn to give him some much needed playing time as the big ex Abertillery player makes a welcome return to his routes. Gladwyn will bring valuable experience to the Dee's eight and also add a great deal of power to the pack, but with Barry Curtis, Nikki Dix and Matthew Whitcombe all playing out of their skins competition for places will be fierce. Also pleasing for the coaches was the return of hooker Joe Watts, his accurate throwing to the line and work rate around the field was sorley missed when he was away having cosmetic work to his broken nose sustained three weeks earlier.

The Committee, Players and Supporters of Ynysddu RFC all send their sincere best wishes to scrum half Craig Huish and his family and wish 2 year old Kenzie a speedy recovery after his operation. We look forward to seeing you all at the club again very soon.

Fantasy Five Starts Saturday

2007-11-28T21:31:00.001Z

Get your teams entered for the fantasy five by 2.30 on Saturday. Late entries will be accepted on Saturday after 2.30 but will score the same as the lowest entry regardless of what their players score this Saturday.

Fantasy Rugby at the Dees

2007-11-20T14:22:00.001Z

We are running a 'FANTASY FIVE' Rugby competition involving our very own players.

The rules are very simple. All you need do is pick 5 players from the current Ynysddu RFC squad as posted in the club program with a total value not exceeding a �40 budget. Each player will be given a value based on position and experience and not ability so please don't be offended.

ENTRY WILL BE �5 AND PRIZE MONEY WILL BE DEPENDENT ON NUMBER OF ENTERIES

How to score

Scoring will apply to all club matches

Awarded to the scorer of each try	12
Awarded to the scorer of each drop goal	4
Awarded to the scorer of each penalty	4
Awarded to the scorer of each conversion	2
Appearance Each player that starts a match	4
A player would is made a permanent substitute	2
A blood substitute gets no points unless he becomes permanent sub	2
Each player who takes part in the match and team wins	3
If the win is greater than 20 points each player taking part	3
Any player getting yellow card	-6
Any player getting red card	-12
Man of the match given by referee	10
Try hat trick bonus	10

Entry forms to be given to Eddie by 2.30 p.m. 1^st December

Ynysddu v Gilfach Goch

2007-11-01T14:21:00.001Z

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.

Ynysddu v RTB Ebbw Vale

2007-10-21T21:11:00.001+01:00

The Dee's claimed their first win of the season at RTB Ebbw Vale by 38 points to 5.

Ynysddu supporters have only had flashes of what their backs could do with decent ball but today their three quarters turned on the style. Captain Martin Gleadall lead by example with two superb tries both from powerful angled runs. Not to be outdone fellow centre Kevin Chamberlain showed a clean pair of heals to race in and touch down after fine work by fly half Grant Robson.

Chamberlain not only has an excellent turn of speed but also is a very strong tackler. He also possesses a shrewd rugby brain and is set to make a name for himself at Ynysddu. Provider then turned scorer as Robson capped a superb performance going over under the posts himself. His try was made all the simpler by Byron Williams who after taking a tap penalty literally turned RT's defence inside out. His 45 metre run was greeted with huge applause from both sets of supporters.

With the visitors playing their expansive game the home sides defence was being stretched, wing Ian Prosser made the most of an overlap and raced in from 30 metres. With all the backs getting the glory it was just reward that the hard working forwards got in on the act. Flanker Chris Arnold took a quick tap and when dragged down just short of the line, prop Ross Morgan was on hand to dive over. Craig Huish slotted over 4 conversions to establish himself as the club's main goal keeper.

Ynysddu 24 Caldicot 27

2007-09-09T15:36:00.001+01:00

Ynysddu were out-muscled in their first home game by a much heavier and street wise Caldicot pack and went down 24-27.

The visitors were content to kick to the corners and use the rolling maul to good effect. Four times from close range line outs they cocooned the ball carrier until he could flop over and score.

In contrast the Dee's scored four superb tries, using fast hands, deft skills and some brilliant interplay between backs and forwards. Geraint Gladwyn opened the scoring with a try from 35 metres ghosting through 6 would be tacklers. Wayne Jones, Ian Prosser and Rhys Parry all followed his example to give the home supports high hopes of a home win. Craig Huish added two conversions.

A yellow card for taking down yet another rolling maul saw the Dee's down to 14 men and Caldicot took full advantage. They disrupted an Ynysddu scrum and pounced on the loose ball to score. With time running out the home side threw everything into attack but were not able to get another score.

Ynysddu's new signings are having a big impact in the side. Forwards Ross Morgan and Luke Redman along with backs Rhys Jones, Shaun Meyrick and Kelvin Adams are all proving they are more than capable of holding first XV places.

Coaches Grant Robson and John Helmore now have a squad with strength in depth and the next couple of weeks their selection will be a headache keeping everyone happy. The new points system is proving a hit with Ynysddu as although losing both games they have picked up points for scoring 4 tries and being within 7 points of their opposition.

Ynysddu 12 Bettws 13

2007-02-19T18:00:00.000Z

The Dee's revival ended dramatically with a home defeat to Bettws 12 - 13 but more worryingly they lost their outstanding centre Carl Uren with a badly dislocated elbow. Carl has been one of the main reasons why Ynysddu has been showing such good form of late. This very talented and popular player is held in great esteem by everyone at the club and his absence from the playing field will be felt by his fellow players, the committee and supporters alike. Everyone at Ynysddu RFC wishes him a speedy recovery.

Early on in the game the home side could have been two tries up after sniping runs by scrum half Craig Huis had opened up the visitors defence. Only frantic covering prevented him touch down. Further pressure saw the Dee's again cross the line only to be adjudged held up. Eventually Chris Olliver got a touch down, thanks to a superb break by Martin Gleadall and some fine interplay between backs and forwards.

From the opening exchanges the home side new an open fast game could see them take the spoils as the big Bettws pack tired. But unfortunately the visitors had also worked out that with the ball safely at the back of rolling maul and 6 players in front of the carrier fending off would be tacklers frustration would lead to rewards. And so it turned out, referee Ian Davies had no option but to penalise and then eventually yellow card Ynysddu as they desperately tried to counter this boring, unenjoyable facet of the modern game. William Webb Ellis would surely turn in his grave if he could see how the powers to be are ruining his concept of the beautiful game. Running with the ball seems to become second choice as more emphasis is being placed on tucking it safely in amongst the pack and walking methodically towards to opposition line.

With two min's of injury time played and now both props sidelined with yellow cards Ynysddu's slender 12 - 8 lead looked very vulnerable and from the ensuing penalty Bettws made them pay. They elected for a scrum and duly walked the depleted Dee's pack over their line to go 13 - 12 up. Ironically more drama was to follow, as from the restart the visitors gave away a penalty in front of their posts affording Ynysddu the chance to snatch back the lead.

Unbelievably as Dee's fly half John Richards connected he lost his footing and the ball sailed passed the upright. Ynysddu's supporters then began to think that Bettws must feel sorry for them as from the drop out they were again penalised in comfortable kicking distance. This time for some unexplainable reason before Richards could claim the ball a quick tap penalty was taken, Bettws gratefully turn the ball over and kicked it off the park to and the game.

Blaenavon 12 Ynysddu 19

2007-02-05T10:21:00.000Z

To the chants of ALLEZ LA FRANCE !!! Ynysddu romped
home to their third win in a row away at Blaenavon.

The home side were totally bemused by the site of 17
Basque rugby players supporting Ynysddu on a weekend
when Wales were playing Ireland in Cardiff. Their
very loud vocal encouragement ensured the Dee's kept
their spirits up even when the home side went into an
early 12 point lead.

Dee's centre Martin Gleadall got the visitors off the
mark when he carved a sway through the Blaenavon
defence beating 6 would be tacklers to score under the
posts giving John Richards an easy conversion.
Richards added a penalty just before half time to pull
Ynysddu back in contention at 12 - 10.

Gleadalls partner in the centre Carl Uren picked up
the backs M of T Match for the 2nd week running. His
powerful angled runs split the home defence time and
again and had his supporting players hands been more
secure Ynysddu could have made the game safe with time
to spare.

Ignoring to play a kicking game and use the infamous
slope of the recreation ground the Dee's chose to put
the ball through the hands and play an expansive free
flowing game. This to the rugby purist
seemed the hard way to win the match as opportunities
were being put down allowing Blaenavon to drive
Ynysddu back into their own half.

It came as a big relief for the travelling Dee's
supporters when Byron Williams broke from the base of
the scrum and jinked his way over for a superb solo
effort which also turned out to be the winning score,
Richards converted to make the final score 12 - 17.
The win would not have been achieved without the likes
of Lloyd Jones in particular who moved to the 2nd row
from the backrow at short notice. He put in an
outstanding performance, grafting in the scrum, cover
tackling in defence and linking in midfield to drive
the ball at the opposition.

With the home Internationals now causing a break in
the season Ynysddu coaches Glen Evans and John Helmore
will be keen to keep this momentum going and end the
season on a high note.

Ynysddu 48 RTB Ebbw Vale 5

2007-01-28T10:28:00.000Z

Like a Phoenix rising out of the ashes YNYSDDU RFC are
back in business. The major refurbishment of the
club is near fruition and chairman Mr Kenneth Thomas
is expected to announce a grand opening late February.

With all the committee and friends of Ynysddu RFC
totally involved in the refurbishment programme the
playing side suffered from neglect and along with a
growing injury list things began to look serious.
Having had a disastrous start to the season, no wins
up to Christmas and a bottom of the league position
team manager Ian Jones went into over drive desperate
for a change of fortune.

The change coincides with the return of the Dee's
TALISMEN, prop LLoyd Jones and flanker Chris Olliver
are both very influential to the sides confidence and
performance and this has shown in the teams
resurgence. Couple this with a centre partnership
that has been formed between Carl Uren and Martin
Gleadall which can match any in the league and you can
see why things are on the up for the club.

Seven tries were scored in to-days match against RTB
Ebbw Vale with wing Dikkie Grey grabbing a hat trick.
Chris Olliver, Chris Lloyd, Carl Uren all got one
each before club captain finished a very enjoyable
afternoon for the club by sprinting in under the posts
from 65 meters. John Richards converted 5 and added a
penalty to give himself a personal Tally of 13 points.

Full credit must be given to RT's who played some
excellent rugby and defended manfully making it a very
entertaining match. Referee Neil Hennesey also
played a very important part letting the game flow and
communicating with the players superbly.

Ynysddu are looking forward to entertaining Ciboure
RFC next weekend as the French side pay Wales a flying
visit.

X: Links

1990-01-01T22:35:00.000Z

Rugby

Local Interest

Others

Website design and hosting

- www.mojito.co.uk

X: Where are we

1990-01-01T21:53:00.000Z

Ynysddu Location - Find a route here

X: Contact Details

1990-01-01T21:50:00.000Z

Chairman:Shaun Rendall	01495 200377
Secretary:Lawson Short	01495 200377
Club Facilities: Karen Helmore	01495 200377
Fixture Sec: Jeff Harris	01495 200377