Fixture

With the 1^st XV once again seeing no action as a result of a waterlogged pitch at Pontypool, Brecon RFC’s focus of attention fell on its young, Athletic XV. In spite of all the heavy rain overnight and throughout the previous week, Brecon’s home pitch, Parc De Pugh, was in remarkably good condition and a large crowd turned out to see what developed into an entertaining match. Having started the season with a run of seven straight victories the Athletic had found things rather less comfortable in the pre/post-Christmas period where many games have been postponed and they conceded two narrow defeats. This match, therefore, gave Brecon the opportunity of getting back to winning ways. Against spirited opposition they produced the perfect response with an emphatic 43 points to 5 victory which included seven great tries.

Brecon started with a strong cold wind at their backs and looked lively but in spite of their territorial advantage they failed to post points on the score board. A crooked throw at the line out and slight handling errors resulted in Brecon failing to make the most of their opportunities. Finally, after fifteen minutes Brecon were clinical and scored the opening try. After initial thrusts in which centre Rhys Peters and wing Tom Richards were prominent Brecon set up the platform from a line out on the Aberdare 22. Under pressure, captain James Hellard showed great slight of hand to get the ball away to right wing Tom Richards. He clinically scored after beating his opposite number on the outside. Man of the Match, Kyran Dillon converted.

That first score was quickly followed by a second as Brecon started to take control of the match. A good run by wing Ethan Morgan was followed by a powerful run by prop Rhys Mills which almost took him to the line. From quick ruck ball impressive Number eight, Jonathan Howard completed the job. Again, Dillon converted.

Aberdare responded well to the shock of conceding two quick scores and they set up camp deep in the Brecon half. Brecon’s defence was solid with flanker Iwan Davies making some great tackles. One big hit in particular resulted in Aberdare losing possession and, in a flash, Tom Richards picked up the ball, beat the first man and then raced almost the full length of the field to score his second try. Dillon’s conversion was a formality.

Again, Aberdare responded and again Brecon’s defence held firm with hooker Ellis Jenkins and flanker William Mouseley putting in a lot of work. The half time whistle brought an end to a good first half for the home side with the one concern being that now Aberdare would be the benefit of the strong cold wind at their back.

The early phases of the second half brought no change to the score but Brecon always looked the more dangerous. Kyran Dillon from full back looked impressive as he counterattacked from deep and a great piece of interplay between him and Tom Richards should have led to a try. Brecon squandered another opportunity when half backs Huw Prothero and Gareth Price combined to create an opening only for the referee to penalise Brecon for a player crossing in front of the ball. As in the first half the frustration ended when Dillon made a great run out of defence and linked with Rhys Peters who took his opportunity brilliantly as he crossed in the corner.

Following the same pattern as the first half, as soon as Brecon their first try the second followed in quick succession. This time Aberdare threatened with an effective driving maul but when it was halted Brecon gained possession and from deep in their half Josh Millichap put in a storming run up the middle of the field. He was finally tackled but quick ball allowed Luke Price enough space to cross in the corner.

It was at this stage that veteran Alan Taylor joined the fray from the bench. His first touch of the ball was greeted with a huge cheer, his second prompted a wonderful response from the crowd as he stepped past and opponent and delivered a delightful pass from behind his back to create space and allow Hugh Prothero a run in for a try which Dillon converted.

Much to Aberdare’s credit they hit back and were rewarded with a try but it was Brecon who finished the scoring. On the back of good work by 2^nd Rows Owain Williams and Aaeron Evans and front Row Tommy Witcomb Brecon worked space on the left for High Prothero to cross for the final score of the day. That score rounded off a highly successful afternoon for Brecon’s youngsters.