Brecon RFC

63 The Watton
Brecon
Powys
LD3 7EL

Tel: 01874 624848
Fax: 01874 611719
contact@breconrfc.co.uk

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Senior Match Reports

SWALEC WRU National League Division 3 South East Saturday 26th September 2009

Treherbert 17 - Brecon 34

Brecon have rarely travelled to Treherbert and returned home with a victory. That scenario seemed unlikely when after fifteen minutes they found themselves 17 points behind. Early mistakes handed the initiative to the home side and presented Brecon with a mountain to climb.

Within the first minutes they found themselves seven points down. They won turn over ball just outside their 22 and in moving it wide there was a distinct possibility that they could create an overlap. Instead centre Huw Baldwin opted for the “safer” option and attempted to kick the ball downfield into the vast empty spaces. Opposing centre M. Shepherd read the situation, quickly closed down the space and managed to charge down the attempted clearing kick. The ball bounced kindly for him and he scored unopposed under the posts. R. Harris duly converted. It was a cruel blow particularly for Huw who otherwise put in a faultless performance.

Worse was to follow. With the home side buoyant Brecon quickly conceded a second. This time Treherbert scrum half J. Morris was given the freedom of the park as he broke straight through the middle of a ruck for an unopposed run to the line. Harris again converted and then added a long range penalty.

The fact Brecon refused to crumble at this point said a lot for their spirit and their belief in the pattern of play which they are employing. They changed nothing other than to cut put mistakes and gradually they got back into the game.

Their first response was based, not only on some good individual skills, but equally on some great unselfish team play. Wing Aled Smith started the move deep in his own half. He fielded a kick ahead and stepped past his first opponent before linking inside. Some great hands created an opening for second row Alex Dalton who had supported the move brilliantly. He had a lot of work to do as he received the ball on the home 22 with defenders in close pursuit. Showing great pace he managed to stay clear of the chasing backs to score under the posts. Dan Edwards converted.

With the gap closed to ten points there was just a chink of light. That chink became a flood as Brecon scored their second long range try. Huw Baldwin created space on his 22 and wing Eurin Morgan scorched away to half way. His inside pass found Rob Jones who broke through and created a classic two on one situation. His final pass just about put full back Rob Price in the clear and again Dan Edwards had no difficulty in converting.

Now just three points behind Brecon started the second half with great purpose. Hooker Martyn Jones was to be found in the thick of everything. He regularly turned over ball and his support play was outstanding as was that of Alex Dalton. After a superb Dalton run Brecon finally gained the lead. Rob Jones made a lovely break in midfield before his centre partner Huw Baldwin brilliantly sliced through the defence to score. Once again Edwards converted.

Treherbert became desperate to step the flow of possession to Brecon’s backs and transgressed allowing Dan Edwards to extend Brecon’s lead with two penalties. At this point Brecon lost influential No 8, Brett Johnson and flanker, Wyn Davies through injury. The enforced changes temporarily disrupted Brecon’s flow and Trehebert hit back using their big forwards to batter away at the fringes. In defence Brecon showed great resilience and with captain Paul Williams marshalling and organising the side expertly from scrum half, Brecon resisted all that was thrown at them.

When eventually Treherbert lost patience and attempted to open up play Brecon stole the ball, broke downfield, stretching the home defence and earning a line out on the 22. Huw Baldwin was alert to the opportunity and took a quick throw which put Eurin Morgan in the clear. His try brought a bonus point and Dan Edwards finished a fine display with a good conversion.

With the 2nd XV earning the fourth straight win in a narrow 13 points to 12 victory over neighbours Gwernyfed the club are enjoying a very successful opening to the season. Maintaining the early momentum is now important will be determined to build on their success when they entertain visitors Llandaff North for only their second home match of the season. The only cloud on the horizon at the moment is the mounting list of injured players.