Fixture

Rhydyfelin RFC | Youth Team Under 18 8 - 50 Brecon RFC | Youth Team Under 18

Match Report
04 April 2016 / Team News

Rhydyfelin Youth 8 - Brecon Youth 50

Brecon Youth travelled south on the A470 looking to resume their League fixture list after the breaks caused by weather and the Six Nations, and the additional demands of seeking success in two cup competitions. The journey to Rhydyfelin was one tinged with anticipation as the squad travelled to the self-styled ‘Village’ expecting a warm welcome from their hosts, and also due to the fact that a break in the weather saw them arrive at the Hawthorn Ground in bright sunshine, and to be faced by a wide pitch and firm playing surface.

Recent results in the league had led to a degree of uncertainty in terms of what could be expected from the home team as, after a slow start to the season, they have recorded some impressive performances and results against teams above them in the league structure. In addition to creating an air of uncertainty, results of this nature have also helped to ensure that the fight for the title is starting to open up again, with a number of teams all now being capable of succeeding.

Additionally, the caution of the coaches, Huw Phillips and Martin Keylock, was also fuelled by the squad numbers being reduced through some recent injuries and unavailability, particularly in the forward pack. Notwithstanding, it became apparent during the game that the match day squad, despite not having the steadying influence and controlling focal point of captain Richie Davies, was more than capable of easing the concerns of their followers, although the initial exchanges saw the visiting team struggle to come to terms with some breakdown interpretations, leading to a number of early penalties against them.

In spite of the pitch and conditions therefore, the early stages of the game were somewhat staccato, with neither team being able to build up any fluency and phase play. This was a period that saw the Brecon team being very proactive in defence, as their quick line speed sought to subdue their hosts who were initially committed and powerful. Influential second row Rowan Starkey led the defensive effort heroically in this early phase, and he was ably supported by his team mates in this regard, with centre James Hellard proving to be Warburton-like in his abilities over the ball in the tackle.

The early phases were heavily focussed on the contest between the opposing packs of forwards and the Brecon 8 stepped up magnificently in this regard. The back row were visibly influential with the outstanding Jonny Davies proving a threat in attack and defence, Captain and No 8 Wil Prosser continuing to be a menace to the opposing back rows with his powerful drives, and blind side flanker Harry Preece maintaining his improving and effective contributions to all aspects of the game. In front of them, the experienced Owain Williams provided his usual unfussy, yet significant contribution that helped the visitors gain the upper hand in the set pieces. The front row were also outstanding, with Jamie Evans continuing on his road back to full fitness with a powerful contribution, Ollie Jones playing out of position yet proving to be excellent in his work rate around the field, and hooker Rhys Evans providing his normal skilful, and busy, contributions to the overall effort of the pack.

The set piece play, and lack of fluidity in the first phases saw the balling not travelling wide at any great speed, and Brecon intelligently adjusted to attacking the home defence in the narrower channels. This was done at increasing intensity, that started to take its toll on the Village team, and led to Brecon scoring two tries in quick succession, with livewire scrumhalf Sammy Hellard maintaining his impressive form of recent games by spotting a slowly reforming defensive line to dart through a gap from 10 metres out, and Wil Prosser choosing a less cerebral route to the line as he powered through three defenders to score. Both tries were converted by full back Dafydd Edwards and, as a result, Brecon went into the half time break 14-3 up.

Whilst the team was showing increased dominance in all phases of play, there was still a frustration that this had not led to further opportunities, or that there had been a certain lack of precision in the execution of certain elements of the game plan. However, it was obvious that the larger home team were starting to tire in the warm conditions, and the Brecon squad focussed on increasing the tempo of play, and seeking to cut out errors in their general play.

Fly half Wil Trumper had been calmly imposing with his line kicking, and also sought to take the ball to the defensive line to commit defenders. The introduction of the direct running, and quick feet, of influential centre James Price at Trumper’s shoulder, suddenly saw the home defence being broken on regular and numerous occasions, and this then allowed the pace of the outside backs to become more prominent in attacking manoeuvres. In this respect, the teams started to show some high skill levels in terms of ball transfer, and electric centre Gareth Price also became a central figure in how the game was evolving. The two Prices were supported by flying wingers Ryan Price and Lucas Kakolewski, who suddenly started to make large yardage with the ball in hand, and full back Edwards was also able to come into the line on some good attacking lines as the field opened up for the visitors.

As with earlier games, and despite earlier concerns over depth, the Brecon bench was again used and proved to be key in allowing a high intensity to be maintained. Jac Powell provided his usual fluency and control from the base of the scrum, and Carl Leeton and Lachie Rourke Davies added to the attacking play in the wider areas. A striking change at this time also saw the introduction of Lee Parkinson who, selflessly, moved into the forward pack to play in the front row. He caught the coaches’ eye in this regard as he took the ball up in hand at close quarters and made some impressive yardage.

This period was characterised by Brecon keeping the ball in hand and attacking from all areas of the field, and some hugely impressive and exciting fare was offered up for the Brecon supporters who had travelled with the team. Further tries were, inevitably, added in this period, with Lucas being on the end of a flowing move to add to this growing try tally, the Price boys in the centre both running in scores from long range, and Edwards being worked into space to run in a further score. Additionally, Captain Prosser added a further score and Harry Preece capped a fine performance by keeping up with the outside backs in a kick chase that saw him collect the ball and plunge over in the corner. Conversions added to the total and the final whistle arrived with Brecon running out winners by 50 points to 8.

It’s always strange to mention frustrations when a team produces a performance and gains a result of that nature, although the squad will know that a higher level of precision is needed albeit difficult when the game was of such a stop start nature. The important points haul has the effect of bringing Brecon back into the equation of how this league will now potentially pan out and, allied to the commitments, and aspirations in two cup competitions, the squad will, no doubt, continue to work hard on the training paddock seeking some level of success that would be immensely deserved

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