Brecon RFC

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Brecon
Powys
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WRU National League Division 3 South East Saturday 6th December 2008

Brecon v Treorchy - Match Abandoned

After the long lay off during the Autumn Internationals, league rugby re-commenced with perhaps one of the most important games of the season. Treorchy arrived at Parc de Pugh with an impressive unbeaten record while Brecon entered the game on the back of five straight league wins. It seemed that something would have to give and victors would be well placed to mount a challenge for promotion in the second half of the season. The eagerly anticipated confrontation was certainly hard and uncompromising but in the end it was a pure accident led to the game being abandoned before 80 minutes could be played.

Early in the second half young Rob Price, who was having a great game at scrum half, broke from a scrum and made good ground before being felled by a heavy tackle. Immediately the referee blew as he saw that there was a problem as Rob lay prone on the ground with a neck injury. A lengthy break in play ensued as Rob was made comfortable under the eye of a doctor and first aiders while they awaited the arrival of an ambulance. By the time Rob was safely secured in the ambulance light was already beginning to deteriorate. It was fairly obvious that the game would not be completed before darkness fell but the referee decided to go ahead. Eventually in the closing quarter conditions became so bad that the referee had no option but to call a halt to proceedings with Treorchy leading by16 points to 5.

Understandably, Treorchy, felt aggrieved but in the end the safety of all the players had to take precedence and the game will now have to be replayed.

The good news, which arrived later that evening, was that Rob was recovering in hospital with no long term damage being diagnosed.

The game had been closely fought. Treorchy through the kicking of outside half Celyn Ashton had established an early lead. He struck a penalty within the first three minutes and then put in a beautiful kick into the corner. Brecon’s full back, Gari Davies had no option but to run the ball into touch just five metres from his own line. From the line out, Treorchy drove for the line. Their organisation was excellent. Keeping the ball at the back of the maul they resisted attempts to drag the maul and ball carrier down and hooker Sean Green claimed the try. The immaculate Ashton added the conversion.

After these early setbacks Brecon worked their way back into the game. Centre Alun Davies was a major influence during this period. His direct running and hard, uncompromising tackling disturbed Treorchy. Sadly at this point Brecon suffered a significant set back. Captain Andrew Davies, who has been magnificent throughout the season set off on a typical charge into the heart of the visitors defence. Tackled on the 22, he laid the ball back and while unprotected on the floor was over vigorously rucked. Ribs were damaged and the incident effectively ended his game.

Without their talisman Brecon worked hard to reduce the deficit but the game deteriorated into a battle of attrition between two well matched sides. Brecon had an opportunity with two penalties but they failed to register a score before half time.

The second half had barely started when Rob’s injury occurred. When the game did recommence it was Brecon who took control. For once they managed to create width and although the first play was shut out by Treorchy’s scramble defence, Brecon managed to recycle the ball and created an overlap on the right. Wyn Davies, who has been outstanding and ever present in the second row this season, was at the end of the move and he ran in for a well deserved try. The conversion failed as did the penalty kick awarded in place of the re-start.

The missed opportunities allowed Treorchy to maintain and ultimately increase their lead. As darkness began to descend Brecon’s discipline waned. A penalty was advanced a further ten metres and Ashton had no problem in extending the lead and when another opportunity presented itself he added three more points.

By this time it was becoming difficult to see players on the far side of the field let alone the ball and in the end the referee, much to Treorchy’s dismay, had not option but to call a halt to the proceedings. Their annoyance was understandable. They had earned a good lead and were surely denied an important victory but there was no doubting that the game could not continue.