Brecon RFC

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Brecon
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WRU National League Division 3 South East Saturday 25th April 2009

Llantwit Fadre 22 - Brecon 17

Brecon almost pulled off a great victory away at Llantwit Fadre. Llantwit have lost just twice this season with their most recent reverse being against close rivals Treorchy in mid-week. That defeat would have spurred them on to ensure that there were no further slip ups in their promotion run. Brecon in the meanwhile had little to play for other than pride and the knowledge that too often this season they have not fulfilled their true potential as a side. When they have played well they have threatened the runaway leaders and with some consistency could have come close to matching them in the league. On other occasions their performances have been disappointing with defeats to some of the leagues strugglers and a woeful performance at Treorchy. At Llantwit one wondered which Brecon side would turn up.

On the day there was no doubting Brecon’s desire. They matched Llantwit in most departments; outplayed them in terms of attacking play but lost out finally because they gave away too many penalties in the second half. The final score of one try, a conversion, four penalties and a drop goal to the home side against three tries and a conversion clearly illustrated the nature of the game.

For Brecon there was disappointment in losing but on reflection they played some great rugby and two of their tries were outstanding.

Brecon started brightly, making good use of the dry conditions, frequently getting the ball wide to their in form players, full back Owen and wing Eurin Morgan. These early thrusts disturbed Llantwit who were forced to scramble to keep Brecon out. The only threat in this opening quarter came when Llantwit wing A Evans picked up a loose kick near the touch line and broke away. His threatening run was stopped dead when wing Matthew Watkins pulled off a great tackle. Brecon returned to the offensive and Chris Wilton almost capitalised on some great work from co-centre Paul Williams.

With 20 minutes gone and the score tied a long break occurred as an injured Llantwit player received attention before finally being taken to hospital by ambulance. Hopefully he will make a quick recovery.

When play resumed Brecon fell behind immediately as they gave away a penalty. Their response was out of the top draw. Flanker Ewan Williams made the initial break in mid field before feeding Matthew Watkins on the outside but with three defenders to beat. With little space to work in the winger defied the odds to score a great try in the corner.

Just on the stroke of half time Llantwit restored their lead when after six phases centre M Howells for once broke through an otherwise solid defensive line. Outside half T Davies converted his try.

The second half opened with undoubtedly, Brecon’s best combined backs try of the season. The ball was initially moved swiftly to Paul Williams who put in a lovely wide pass to Owen Morgan whose pace took him through the first line of defence before drawing the full back and putting Eurin Morgan away. His pace took him to the line and outside half Dan Edwards converted brilliantly from wide out.

Brecon extended their lead when Dan Edwards, who had a very good game, put in a cross field kick. Eurin Morgan just managed to gather and he left his opponents in his wake as he scored his second try.

Llantwit were rattled but ground their way back into contention as they profited from a series of penalties given away by the visitors. Davies showed great skill in kicking three penalties in a very difficult wind. His contribution gave Llantwit the lead once again and to show his versatility with the boot he dropped a goal.

Five points behind and with time running out captain Andrew Davies called for one final effort. Paul Williams made a break and was well supported by Richard Galea. Gareth Owens went on one of his charging runs but it was all to no avail as the final whistle brought relief to Llantwit and finally extinguished Brecon’s hope of a famous victory.