Brecon RFC

63 The Watton
Brecon
Powys
LD3 7EL

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

Click map to find us

Click to enlarge

SWALEC WRU National League Division 3 South East Saturday 1st November 2008

Tylorstown 3– Brecon 24

After the narrow cup defeat of the previous week Brecon it was essential that Brecon got back to winning ways for a number of reasons. Confidence which had been growing following four consecutive wins was somewhat dented. With the November break immediately following this match that confidence needed to be restored prior to the period of inactivity. Also with a win Brecon could still justifiably consider themselves still to have a chance of being in the title race. A further consideration was that when the league resumes in December Brecon face two crucial matches against the two remaining unbeaten sides in the league, Treorchy and Llantwit Fadre. Facing Treorchy at home in December with the side full of confidence would certainly be a different proposition to facing them after suffering two consecutive defeats.

With such high rewards Brecon were acutely aware of the importance of returning with a victory. They were also aware that any result at Tylorstown had to be earned. For the past two seasons Brecon have failed to register a win against them, whether at home or away. This match, therefore, was a critical fixture in terms of Brecon's league prospects.

The fact that they earned the victory and a bonus point for scoring four tries while keeping their own line intact was in itself testimony to the developing qualities of the side, although it does not tell the full story.

Tylorstown were a young and committed team. They had few weaknesses, although they would agree that they do not have the same strength as that of the side which just missed out on promotion last season. However, from the kick off and on their own small pitch, it was obvious they would put up a stern challenge. In the early stages they gave Brecon's powerful pack something to think about. The opening exchanges were tense but the strength of the Brecon pack now comes from the overall strength of the unit. They have a choice of carriers and a mixture of youth and experience. Owen Davies at Number 8 is a real force to be reckoned with. After a delayed start to the season he is now making a major impact and had a hand in almost all of Brecon's tries. Scott Edwards brings with him a mass of experience and plenty of go forward. Hooker Dan Turner has made a great impact since covering for the injuries to Alan Taylor and Richard Galea. Soon to return to New Zealand he will be missed although there is now real depth in the front row. That depth is also growing in the second row where Dai Evans came in for Huw Morgan and produced an impressive display.

The front row have in recent weeks received many plaudits and yet it is still hard to keep them out of the limelight. Prop Gareth Owens opened Brecon's scoring with a typically powerful drive to record his second try of the season. His score was not unexpected but what followed was what Brecon supporters have been hoping for all season.

The backs suddenly took control of the game and showed some great finishing. As a whole the team produced its best all round performance of the season with the backs claiming the remainder of the scores and probably the man of the match performance. While Huw Baldwin's name did not feature on the score board his game both in attack and defence was outstanding. He controlled the game well and the like of centres Alun Davies and Owen Morgan flourished outside him. As a pair of centres they complemented each other very well with Alun's strength and directness being an excellent foil for Owen's pace and silky running. It was Owen's outside break that created the space for wing Matthew Watkins who again showed good finishing as he claimed Brecon's second try.

Brecon's third try put Brecon in an almost unassailable position. Undoubtedly it was the bet score of the afternoon. Owen Davies broke from a scrum on Brecon's 22. His powerful surge took well over the gain line. Scrum half Rob Price and Alun Davies continued the moved before giving Eurin Morgan the chance to finish. Brecon's left wing clinically took his opportunity.

With the only response from the home team coming in the form of a penalty Brecon now had control of the match and all that remained was the chase of a fourth try bonus point. It was Owen Davies and young Rob Price who delivered the deserved reward. Owen again broke near halfway and fed his scrum half who showed awareness and skill well beyond his tender years. He scythed through a yawning gap and scored under the posts. Gari Davies kicked a second conversion and rang down the curtain on an outstanding victory which will undoubtedly be noted by the leagues leading challengers. The December matches now take on huge significance and a large crowd can be expected at Parc de Pugh for crunch matches against Treorchy and Llantwit Fadre on December 6th and 27th respectively.