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Brecon Under 11
SUNDAY 11th October 2009
Merthyr 0 - Brecon RFC 30
Following the glorious weather of the previous weekend, Brecon Under 11s travelled over the Beacons in grey and wet conditions to take on the Iron Men of Merthyr. The poor conditions were perceived as a potential brake on the teams expansive and fast flowing style of game, and the absence of some key forwards added to the apprehension of the coaches Alan Witcomb and Ernie Davies.
The team however had no such worries, and showed how they have developed as a squad by taking a positive attitude on to the field, with the intention to compete from the very first whistle. Faced with some big opponents, the thought that the game might become an arm wrestle up front was something that presented the players with a relatively new challenge. That was something that they rose to tremendously, and, led by all-action captain Rhys Evans, they tore into Merthyr with a furious, yet controlled, commitment.
Following their captain's lead the Brecon pack of Morgan Davies, Tom Witcomb, Jon Davies (standing in admirably in the pack) Harry Preece and Rowan Starkey, with Ben Amphlett snapping at their heels, showed a real drive in their rucking, and pleasantly surprising strength in their mauling, as they hit the larger opponents back time and time again. Rowan in particular was ripping the ball with real intent, and his industry was rewarded with the first try of the game as he emerged from a maul to crash over for the first score. This was the start of a great peformance by him, and also by the team.
Not to be outdone, the back line showed great skill and ability to keep the ball alive in the poor conditions, with Gareth Price and Dafydd Edwards continuing with their good handling skills and running lines to release the elusive running of Rhodri Powell-Jones and Sammy Hellard. Gus Maughan, playing full back in the face of the strong wind, displayed great attacking verve as he ran the ball back at the opponents at every opportunity.
As the game developed, Brecon's dominance in all areas continued, and the rugby played was of a high quality. They were rewarded with further scores by Ben Amphlett (2), Dafydd Edwards, Tom Witcomb, whilst Harry Preece was rewarded for his hard work after his comeback from injury with a very popular score.
As the players retired to the bar for their sausage and chips, overcoming the inconvenience of having their clothes hidden by the Under 10s coach (?!), Alan and Ernie were able to report back to the absent Paul Amphlett that the good start to the season continues.
The display was notable for a number of things: the quality of performance in poor conditions; the ability to use the squad to overcome the loss of players; the ability to add another style of play to their game (particularly the strength shown against a big team); and, the real desire to work hard for each other!!
As mentioned in previous weeks, the secret now is to not let standards slip, and to build on each peformance.
As the sun rose over The Wern at the end, it was a happy bunch of players, coaches, family and friends who made the trek back to Brecon!
WELL DONE AGAIN - KEEP THE FOCUS AND KEEP BUILDING!
Match Reports U11 2009