Brecon RFC

63 The Watton
Brecon
Powys
LD3 7EL

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

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Abercynon U11s 0 Brecon U11s 12
6th Sept 200

The Under 11s started their last season of Minis rugby in convincing style as they visited Abercynon for this 2009/2010 opener. The coaches, Paul, Alan and Ernie, had put the team through their paces in some early training sessions prior to this game, and this paid dividends as the team took the game to their hosts in a committed and organised fashion.

The host team fielded some big players but this did not deter the Brecon lads as they played with controlled aggression and pace from the very first whistle. This was evident in the way they cleared the breakdown area very effectively, allowing the ball to be moved through the hands with the coaches desired high-tempo, off-loading game being very much to the fore.

Brecon had the majority of the possession and territory in the first half as they played into what was a surprisingly strong breeze. It was only a matter of time before this brought a score and, sure enough, after one sustained period of ball-in-play, Rhys Evans had the honour of plunging over for the first try of this season. This was coolly converted by Gareth Price to give Brecon a well deserved 7-0 lead.

The team then looked to build on this solid foundation and maintained a foothold in the hosts half of the pitch. In addition to moving the ball around in attack, they put huge defensive pressure on their opponents and it was this momentum that led to a kick being charged down and Harry Preece diving over the ball for a second score. This was justly deserved by Harry who had a good game throughout, particularly as it was his first game for some time, having returned from a lengthy leg injury. Unfortunately, Gareth hit the post with his conversion and the score was 12-0 as the teams changed sides.

The second half saw Abercynon using their larger forwards to gain some yards, although this was repelled by some hugely committed tackling, mauling and rucking from the visitors. Additionally, given Brecon's relatively comfortable position in the game, the coaches were able to experiment with players in different positions, and also to make full and effective use of the large squad at their disposal.

This latter point is one of the more satisfying areas for the coaches, particularly as they look to develop the squad for future seasons, and the move into 15-a-side rugby. Whilst no further scores were added by Brecon in the second period, equally important was the fact that Abercynon did not get on the score sheet.

This all added up to a balanced and committed performance from all the players, with the fast rucking and handling game being supported by sound defensive technique and attitude across the board. There were the obvious areas of rustiness in this first game of the season, but the overall emphatic nature of the performance and result has given the squad a great platform upon which to build, and to iron out the areas of rustiness.

The secret now will be to continue with the commitment to training and improvement, and to maintain the confidence and belief that the squad have at present.