Swalec Bowl

First Round

Swansea University 21 Ystradgynlais 29

Ystradgynlais made it through to the second round of the Swalec Bowl with a disjointed win over an attack-minded Swansea University side.

The game began with Ystrad looking to keep it tight and control the set-piece as much as possible.

An early show of indiscipline from the students saw Ystrad take an early three-point lead courtesy of Tom Blizzard’s boot and the following 15 minutes saw the visitors committing numerous misdemeanours earning the students a yellow card while the Blues were happy to take the points.

But Ystrad kept falling into the trap of playing a sevens-style of rugby that, to their credit, the students adopted throughout the half.

The Blues did however pull the game under control at important moments, which earned them a penalty try.

Another try followed thanks to some beautiful back-play allowing full back Blizzard to storm in for his first try of the season.

A 20-0 lead at half-time saw the Blues in complete control.

The second half started brightly with Blizzard kicking another penalty to further extend the Blues lead.

A series of injuries saw the Blues bring on a number of substitutes, the most noticeable of which saw a return to action for Ystrad after 18 years of Vernon Cooper. The six-foot-seven former Welsh international second row replaced Emyr Addey on the wing.

The students made the most of Ystrad’s change and a flurry of scores made the end result far more respectable for the hosts, although Blizzard had kicked enough points in the meantime to ensure it was the Blues who claimed a place in round two.