Brecon RFC

63 The Watton
Brecon
Powys
LD3 7EL

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contact@breconrfc.co.uk

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SWALEC WRU National League Division 3 South East Saturday 7th May 2011

Brecon 22 - St Peters 33

On paper the match between Brecon and St Peters should have been a one sided affair. St Peters, third in the table, narrowly missed out on promotion. Brecon by contrast lie third from the bottom and narrowly escaped relegation. In spite of the gap between the two sides this was a very entertaining and closely fought contest. So close was the match that with five minutes to go Brecon were in the ascendancy, just four points adrift and attacking on their opponents 22. It seemed that at least Brecon’s efforts would be rewarded with a bonus point and there was still the chance of notable victory. In one moment of misfortune the game slipped away from the home side.

St Peters had started full of confidence. The pack won good ball and their backs looked dangerous. An early try set them on their way but Brecon battled back and two penalties from outside half Mike Evans put them into a narrow lead. St Peters extended their lead with two well executed tries and at this stage Brecon’s only answer was a third Evans penalty.

Ten points adrift at half time when they had played with wind advantage was not what coach Chris Yates was looking for and he told his side in no uncertain terms. The response from his charges was heartening as during the second half they outplayed their more illustrious visitors.

The whole balance of the game turned when from a line out just outside their own 22 Brecon drove the St Peters pack back more than 30 metres. Tom Daley broke off from the drive and with Ceri Morgan in support they set up a position from which they should have scored a try. Instead they had to make do with a penalty converted by replacement outside half Rob Price. Although the try had been squandered the team drew confidence from their success in taking the game to the opposition and further rewards were to come.

Under the outstanding leadership of captain Daley the whole pack upped their game. Prop Jake Powell Thomas showed up on numerous occasions in the loose and had his best game to date in senior rugby. Miles Davies in an unaccustomed position of second row grew into the role and started to show his ability to carry the ball and stay on his feet, while Osian Davies on the flank showed the size of ones heart can’t be measured by physical bulk. Throughout the afternoon he never took a backward step and showed that as he matures he will be a real force to reckoned with.

The backs too played their part. Eurin Morgan again confirmed that he is in the form of his life at the moment although he had few opportunities with the ball in hand in open field. Also impressing were the two wings Stuart Slough and young Ryan James. Ryan during the first half produced one searing break which would have brought him a try if he had dived early for the corner. It is a lesson he will surely take on board for the future.

When Rob Price broke impressively from a set piece the move was only snuffed out when the ball was cynically killed at a ruck. Price punished the misdemeanour with a penalty and brought the home side to within four points of their opponents and there was the glimmer of possible victory.

Quickly St Peters shut the door when on one of their rare sorties into Brecon territory during the second half they produced a lovely flowing move which resulted in impressive centre Sunny Driscoll crossing under the posts. His co-centre, Dane Mitchell, who had a faultless afternoon with the boot, had not difficulty in converting.

That set back seemed to inspire Brecon. Miles Davies was just short of the line and then Ceri Morgan got close before Tom Daley showed how to finish as he cut a lovely angle onto a flat pass and split the excellent visitors’ defence. His try under the posts was easily converted by the impressive Price.

Once again only four points adrift, Brecon went looking for the win. Attacking on their opponents 22 they suddenly lost the ball in contact. Outside half Dan French was onto the loose ball in a flash and with the whole of the Brecon team committed to the attack he ran 70 unopposed metres to score his second try of the afternoon. The simple conversion with only minutes to go ended Brecon’s hopes which now must remain high for their final game against Aberdare at Parc de Pugh next Saturday.