Brecon RFC

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Senior Match Reports

SWALEC WRU National League Division 3 South East Saturday 10th October 2009

Aberdare 17 - Brecon 11

Brecon’s visit to League leaders Aberdare was always going to be a tough test but the severity of the test could hardly have been anticipated. Well before half time Brecon were seventeen points down. They were struggling for possession particularly in the scrums where they were severely tested and after 20 minutes they lost influential player Richard Galea with a broken collar bone. With a lengthy injury list already, the latest loss was a heavy blow, leaving the pack with only two players over the age of 24.

In the face of such adversity the side could easily have crumbled. Aberdare were certainly looking for a bonus point win while Brecon supporters began to feel that a drubbing was on the cards. The fact that they turned things around in the second half was credit to their tenacity, fitness and togetherness. Brecon scored all of the second half points, earned themselves a bonus and ended the game attacking with a chance of winning. Half way through the game that would have hardly seemed likely.

A number of factors contributed to the turn around. Apart from their spirit Brecon eased their problems in the scrum. Jack Herring, entering the fray just after half time, helped to shore up the scrum and made a big impact. The very young and inexperienced back row of Danny Howe, Ed Lewis and Wyn Davies, now with a more stable platform, showed flashes of promising play. Wyn Davies in particular showed how quickly he is learning the role of an open-side flanker. All of last season he spent in the second row and it is only in recent games that he has taken on the new role. His performance grew impressively as the game progressed.

With the first phase possession now far more secure Brecon enjoyed far better possession than they had previously and at last they were able to carry the ball at their opponents more frequently. As they did so they began to build a score and suddenly Aberdare’s assurance and confidence began to wane to the point where they were relieved to hear the final whistle.

Things had started badly for Brecon when they were penalised from the kick off. Outside half Steve Roberts comfortably gave his side a three point lead. That lead was soon extended when wing Keiron Griffiths gathered a loose ball chipped the defence and held onto a ball which sat up very kindly for him. Roberts converted.

Brecon fought back but were always on the back foot. Full back Rob Price did make good ground on one of Brecon’s few forays into opposition territory and wing Owen Morgan counterattacked well showing he was not afraid to look for the outside channel. But as the half drew to a close Brecon’s otherwise solid defence was finally spilt. One miss tackle in midfield allowed centre Gareth Jablonski to cut through on the straight angle and score. Again Roberts added the conversion.

Spirits were finally lifted early in the second half when Owen Morgan broke from deep and put a great kick ahead. Huw Davies caught his man and the defender was forced to hold onto the ball on the floor to give away a penalty. Bravely Brecon went for the corner. Though they failed to score initially they won another penalty and Dan Edwards coolly put their first points on the board.

Now, far more in the game, they started to force errors form their opponents. With the defensive line solid Aberdare attempted to get the ball wide. Hooker Martyn Jones read the play beautifully and made a great interception and break. Keeping calm in the open he drew his man and fed Owen Morgan who from half way left the cover defence in his wake.

Edwards failed with the wide conversion but now there was a glimmer of hope. That hope grew when Paul Williams put in an intelligent kick into space just on the home 22. Eurin Morgan’s chased and his first up tackle was excellent and again Aberdare gave away a penalty rather than surrender the ball. Edwards punished them to bring Brecon to within six points of their opponents. They finished strongly and when a final attack broke down, with a knock on, Aberdare clearly displayed their relief after having dominated most of the early exchanges.