A group of Scottish fans turned up to watch the Specsavers National Championship clash and Ystalyfera head coach Gareth James admitted it was a strange day at the Ynysydarren Ground.
On the face of it, it was a fixture that saw Cross Keys leave 13-0 winners to send the home side to an eighth consecutive defeat and closer to relegation straight back to Division One. But this – the only senior match taking place across Wales last Saturday – wasn’t just another game.
It was the last for weeks – and potentially much longer – due to the global pandemic. News of the WRU’s suspension of community rugby until at least 30 March filtered through while the game was still going on.
“It was weird, a different feeling in the club before and after the game really,” said Ystalyfera chief coach and outside half James, who also played in the game.
“The focus wasn’t 100 per cent on rugby, it was more about work and their health. It’s worrying times at the minute, but obviously people’s health is more important for us and rugby comes second.”
For the record, Keys bagged four points thanks to two Curtis Povey kicks from the tee in addition to a late penalty try. The match was still scoreless until the 70th minute, but another defeat for the Fera means they are rock bottom and heading for the exit door in the Championship after only one season unless the WRU rules otherwise due to the current circumstances.
League matters will be decided further down the line, but James is doubtful the season will be completed. It is also likely to prove a testing time too for many clubs and committees off the field without any action or income for a prolonged period of time.
“I can’t see the season being played out this year if I’m honest. I just don’t see where they are going to fit the games in,” added James.
“It’s worrying as well for local clubs as you don’t see many people about at the minute. It’s difficult, the rugby keeps it going and I think we’re going to see now just how important rugby clubs really are to the community because there isn’t much going on at the moment.”
Elsewhere in the Championship, Neath were defeated 48-14 at home by an in-form Cardiff Met side. Morgan Nelson was at the double with Evan Lloyd, Max Cunnington, Zac Clow, George Gladding and a penalty try also on the scoresheet for the students in a fifth successive league win. Lloyd kicked the rest of the points, while Ben Uphill and David Griggs were the Neath try scorers, both converted by Luke Griffiths.
Trebanos lost out 10-3 at Bedwas thanks to James Richards and Aled Evans tries. Jack Evans kicked a penalty in reply for the Crows.
