Fixture

While the 1^st XV was left without a game on Saturday, the Athletic team continued their run of good form with a 24 points to 14 victory over visitors St Peters. This was an interesting match as it pitted two second placed teams from their respective Conference Leagues against one another. After a battle, where fortunes swung one way and then the other, Brecon deservedly took the spoils to record their sixteenth win from the 21 matches they have played.

As has been the pattern in recent Athletic games, they used the match as an opportunity to blood young talent from the youth team. Lewie Crockett, Zack Gerrish, Ryan Luker and Callum Worwood all had an opportunity to show their promise for future seasons and they didn’t disappoint. Other players in their first season of senior rugby also showed up well. Ellis Jenkins in the back row was everywhere. Tom Phillips, at scrum half made an impressive return after injury and claimed the first try of the match when he took a quick tap penalty and ran through the visitors defence. Rhys Mills put in a big performance in the front row, and Ben Pritchard was justifiably rewarded for his efforts with a fine try where he linked effectively with ever young, Alan Taylor.  Only slightly more senior was the likes of Rhys Peters, who had a great game and scored a super try. This was certainly the score of the day. Forwards and backs combined to put Dafydd Edwards in space out wide and he read the play beautifully as he drew the defence and then fed Peters who had looped around on the outside.

Full back Kyran Dillon, in just his second season of senior rugby, was always dangerous with ball in hand and kicked long when he needed to. Ryan Price also added himself to the score sheet, as a try scorer, at the opening of the second half. That try gave Brecon a 17 points to nil lead and they seemed to be cruising towards victory. That impression was quickly dispelled as St Joseph’s scored two quick converted tries to bring themselves back to within three points. From there Brecon upped their game and with the likes of Josh Hamilton showing power in defence and when carrying and with captain James Hellard putting in a Man of the Match performance, from the unaccustomed position of Number 8, Brecon re-established a two-score lead and ran out deserved winners.

Other players to stand out in the match were Tommy Witcomb at hooker who always looked comfortable with the ball in hand and ran strongly. Owain Williams who was Brecon’s main line out target and again looked comfortable in possession. Hugh Prothero, who seems to feature anywhere across the Athletic back line and is equally effective wherever he plays. Iestyn Havard who looked quick and sharp on the wing. Gareth Price at outside half who controlled play beautifully. Dan Edwards who rolled back the years when he replaced Tom Phillips at scrum half. Howell Morgan who also played a big role when showing all his experience and power as he entered the front row battle with the game beginning to slip from Brecon’s grasp. All should be congratulated for their commitment and performances this season, when so many clubs have failed to raise a 1^st team on numerous occasions.