Fixture

Brecon Athletic travelled to Nelson for their 20^th match of the 2022/23 season. They notched up their 14^th win with impressive 54 points to 3 victory. With thoughts turning towards the end of the season they fielded a young team which included three current youth team players, Zack Gerrish, Callum Worwood and Ryan Luker. All three had excellent games and showed considerable promise for their future step up to senior rugby next season. Ryan Luker, playing his fourth game for the Athletic, was particularly impressive with his physicality at the breakdown and general all-round play. With the team including five other players; Ben Pritchard, Luke Price, Rhys Mills, Dewi Worwood and Joe Palmer in their first season of senior rugby, the result was all the more impressive and encouraging and suggests that the future of this exciting and enterprising team is in good hands.

While these youngsters impressed, the most pleasing aspect of the match was the way that they integrated into the whole team structure, effectively complementing and seamlessly linking in with their more senior teammates. Perhaps the pattern of scoring reflected the nature of the game with seven of Brecon’s eight tries being scored by the backs, with second row Ben Pritchard being the exception. There were also some notable performances from the more senior players. Dafydd Edwards from full back was full of running and caused Nelson no end of problems with his counterattacks. It was Edwards who scored the first try after Nelson had taken the early lead with a penalty. His opportunity was set up by a Josh Millichap run. At Number 8 Josh Millichap was perhaps the smallest forward on the field but, time and again, he showed tremendous power in his running and he put in a giant performance. Converting the first try was outside half and Team Manager, Gari Davies. Gari, probably now in the veteran category, controlled the game beautifully. He mixed up play with sniping runs, great distribution and long and intelligent kicking. As a reward for his efforts, he scored and excellent try by rounding off some great work involving Hugh Prothero, Dafydd Edwards and Ben Pritchard. He also added a total of five conversions before delegating that responsibility to wing Luke Price, who kicked two as well as adding an excellent winger’s try of his own.

While versatile Hugh Prothero assisted in the Gari Davies try he also claimed two of his own. While playing on the wing he beautifully finished off a move in which Edwards was again involved. Then from the scrum half berth he latched onto a beautifully weighted attacking kick through by centre Ryan Price. While Ryan Price didn’t feature on the score sheet his overall match contribution was impressive. His second half partner, Rhys Peters, did score, almost as soon as he entered the fray off the bench at the start of the second half. A Josh Millichap run put Brecon on the front foot and then Rhys, with his first touch of the ball, carved his way through the Nelson defence to score his first try. Within minutes he was at it again. Ryan Price again contributed with an initial break and Peters finished it off in impressive fashion.

While it was the backs who claimed the lion’s share of the glory in the points claiming stakes, the contribution of the forwards could not be ignored. Second row Owain Williams was immense in the line out and showed great hands as he linked up with his supporting players. Hooker Dewi Edwards had and excellent game. He popped up everywhere and carried to, and through, the gain line every time he had the ball.

Three other players also played an important role in the success of the team. Jamie Price came off the bench into the left wing berth. He caused the Nelson defence no end of problems with his elusive running. Dan Edwards, definitely in the veteran category, made an appearance at scrum half, off the bench and certainly did not look out of place. The final word should go to captain James Hellard. His contribution, not just in this game, but throughout the season cannot be ignored. Not flash or a top try scorer but the glue that holds the team together. His handling skills are excellent, defence rock solid and he runs good lines. He as much as anyone makes the back line tick and his 18 appearances out of the 20 matches played clearly shows his commitment to the Athletic and Brecon Rugby Club.

Those who travelled to Nelson from Brecon to support their team, had the opportunity to witness a team playing with a smile on its face. A team with a desire to win, while respecting their opponents and playing the game to enjoy it. In doing that they provided entertainment for what was an excellent crowd. All the good traits of rugby, at a time when some Clubs are finding it difficult to put teams out on the park.