Brecon RFC

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Senior Match Reports

SWALEC WRU National League Division 3 South East Saturday 27th February 2010

Brecon 17 - Tylorstown 20

Following some encouraging performances in their last three matches, Brecon faced a stiff challenge from visitors Tylorstown. The Rhondda Fach side lie third in the league but with two games in hand they look well placed to mount a challenge for promotion. Weather conditions also suited the visitors’ forward orientated game as heavy rain created a sticky top surface and a slippery ball. In such conditions and with a very young side it was not surprising that home supporters feared the worst as Brecon got off to the worst possible start.

Within the first few minutes of the kick off a second collapsed scrum on the home five metre line was deemed to be foul play deserving of the award of a penalty try. With the completion of a simple conversion Brecon were seven points behind and facing a very difficult afternoon.

The one thing in their favour was the collective team spirit they have displayed in recent weeks. If ever that was needed, it was now. The young front row of Karl Stephenson, Martyn Jones and Jack Herring faced the brunt of the responsibility. If in the conditions they could not hold the scrum then there would be no way that Brecon would be competitive in the game. To their credit they responded to the task and while Tylorstown held the upper hand they were never able to dominate until the latter stages of the game when sheer weight and the heavy ground began to take its toll. Hooker, Martyn Jones in particular had an outstanding game in the loose and it was good to see him returning to the form he displayed in the early part of the season prior to a long recuperation from a shoulder injury.

After a period of excellent defence Brecon gradually gained a foothold in Tylorstown territory. Their efforts were rewarded when Gary Davies reduced the lead with a well struck penalty.

Once again scrum half, Paul Williams, showed great leadership qualities as he prompted and probed around the fringes. He gained a good attacking position with a lovely kick which was supported with a great chase and when Brecon re-gathered the ball at the breakdown Gary Davies put over a neat drop goal.

As the team grew in confidence so more and more of the game took place in the visitor’s territory. Young flanker, Osian Davies, on his first start with the senior side, put in a great tackle which led to a turn over. Centre Eurin Morgan used the space to carve through the defence. Paul Williams then broke blind and flanker Tom Daley showed great strength to break through the final cover and score an excellent try.

Tylorstown, now behind for the first time in the match, began to loose their composure and discipline. Gary Davies took advantage with another successful penalty before Tylorstown struck back with two of their own as the first half drew to a close.

Early in the second half Gary Davies restored a four point lead with another penalty and the home side held this advantage for a large chunk of the second half. An impressive win was definitely on the cards when they encountered a major set back. Osian Davies seemed to make a great tackle, immediately got back onto his feet and stole the ball. The referee saw it otherwise and not only penalised him but also sent him to the sin bin for not releasing the player in the tackle.

Now with a seven man scrum Brecon were severely tested. They showed great resolve to resist at the first few scrums but the pressure told and the inevitable happened as the Tylorstown Number 8 broke from a five metre scrum and scored under the posts. The conversion was a formality.

Three points down and with time running out Brecon certainly did not give up and had one final chance. Second row Alex Dalton put in a great kick ahead and in his chase the forward showed great athleticism as he caught the full back on his 22. Unfortunately for the home support, Tylorstown managed to clear the ball and they held on to their narrow winning margin to keep their promotion hopes alive.

Although defeated, Brecon are sure to be buoyed up by their performance and if their preparations can go ahead unhindered this week then they can look forward with justified optimism to their visit to Heol-y-Cyw.