Abergavenny Youth 10 - Brecon Youth 15

Following the disappointment of their excruciatingly narrow defeat in the WRU Youth Cup the previous week Brecon Youth needed to get a positive result under their belts before re-commencing their league programme. The offer of an away fixture at Abergavenny was, therefore gratefully accepted. Conditions were certainly not conducive to open rugby. On a dark December afternoon, persistent rain ensured that both ground and ball were greasy and it was a credit to both sides that there was a willingness to move the ball and make light of the conditions. As a result mistakes were inevitable but that only served to provide an entertaining game which brightened up a miserable Saturday afternoon.

Brecon started the game brightly, showing their intent from the kick off. They ran at every opportunity and only kicked when there was no other option. Abergavenny also attempted to keep the ball in hand although they sought to play a much tighter game, using their extra bulk to try to punch through the visitor’s defence. After the initially settling down period Brecon gained the upper hand. Strong running from forwards Josh Hamilton and Will Prosser ensured that Brecon had ball on the front foot and the half backs, Geraint Workman and Gareth Price mixed the game up intelligently, while always seeking to bring their lively outside backs into play whenever the opportunity arose.

The game’s first score came after Brecon exerted a concerted period of pressure. The Abergavenny defence held out for a period of time but finally Gareth Price finished clinically as he dummied his way through the defence to score wide out.

Brecon maintained this early momentum and they soon increased their lead. Having gained a line out on the Abergavenny 22 they worked a clever ploy. Setting themselves up for a long throw they drew the Abergavenny forwards towards the tail. Hooker Rhys Evans then threw short, took the return pass and galloped away, unopposed, to score in the corner.

Abergavenny responded. They drove hard particularly through their number 8 and inside centre. The Brecon defence held well but pressure increased. Finally, the home side organised an effective driving maul which crossed the line allowing their number 8 to score on the stroke of half time.

The second half started in deteriorating light and continuing rain. For a while the game stagnated as handling errors prevented either side from developing any continuity. Then suddenly Brecon extended their lead with an outstanding piece of play. The Abergavenny outside half kicked long out of defence and in the gloom and with a slippery ball it looked as if Brecon would struggle to cleanly deal with the kick. At that point scrum half Geraint Workman took control. He caught the ball cleanly and in one move brilliantly beat the chasing opponents on the outside. In space, he stretched his legs and broke clear of all bar the covering full back. As the coverer approached so Geraint passed the ball inside to full back Dafydd Edwards , who had read the play and supported superbly . Dafydd took the pass and ran in to score.

Now with a ten point lead and in difficult conditions Brecon had effectively secured their win. Abergavenny, however, were not prepared to surrender and in the dying minutes they score their second try from a driving maul. The score was a well-deserved reward for their battling display but it could not stop Brecon taking the spoils and leaving them in good heart prior to their return to league rugby next week with an away fixture at Rhydyfelin.

While the Youth put themselves in good heart the 2^nd XV also recorded a notable victory in the Rhondda and east Glamorgan Cup. Travelling away to face Championship team Beddau’s second string was never going to be an easy task. Brecon 2^nd XV, however, acquitted themselves brilliantly. A 16 nil victory saw them move into the next round and made the journey home a celebratory journey.