Brecon RFC

63 The Watton
Brecon
Powys
LD3 7EL

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

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Club Newsletters

Jan 2008

First XV
After a difficult start to the season the 1st XV are beginning to get their act together. Much of the credit for the progress they have made must be attributed to the coaching team of Hefin Williams and Martin Keylock and to the players themselves who have pulled together as a team to bring about much improved performances. There is little difference in personnel between now and the start of the season but matches which were being lost against teams in the bottom half of the league are now being won. With no wins on the board until 20th October we have since recorded four wins and this has started to pull us out of the relegation zone. We are as yet far from safe and our next two games against fellow strugglers Heol-y-Cyw (Home 16th February and Tonyrefail away 1st March) are games we must win if we are to give ourselves of steering clear of danger before we enter the final phase of the season. Your support at either or both of these matches would give the team a huge boost and could have a significant impact in our battle to maintain Division 3 status.

The significance of survival cannot be overstated. Hefin and Martin are ambitious and are not satisfied with our current position. Their aim is to achieve a mid table finish by the end of the season and then start to build for a serious challenge for promotion next year. In order to achieve that a planning meeting has been arranged for the end of January to settle coaching issues, set targets and identify local players who we feel could be encouraged to return to or to join the Brecon fold in order to strengthen the squad by the start of next season. If we are to succeed in attracting players then we have to show that the club is ambitious, forward looking and has good support. The day of money incentives has gone and so we have to look at the quality of support for players and the quality of facilities we can offer.

In respect of facilities then it has been agreed that a serious push is to be made to erect full floodlighting at Parc de Pugh. The Mini /Junior Section of the Club are playing a leading role in this venture but it is hoped that the whole club will get behind the project. Monies from the Vice President donation has been ear marked for this development and some fundraising has already been initiated. A large group of parents attended a meeting recently and from that meeting a large number of people volunteered their support in the form of help and assistance. If we can raise similar support from the rest of the club then we will be making a statement which will back up the efforts of the senior rugby committee as they attempt to enhance the playing strength of the club.

Second XV
After a number of years where we have struggled for players we have at last managed to put out a competitive second XV almost every available Saturday. Much of this success must be attributed to Gordon Davies (Tucker) who has returned to Brecon and renewed his commitment to the 2nd XV. With the help of Don Howe the seconds are once again a viable team. A hard core of committed players should also be congratulated. Many of them are young players who can look forward to making progress through to the 1st XV in the not too distant future. If the attitude and commitment of the bare XV who travelled to Bedlinog recently can be replicated by all players then the club has a bright future. Against all the odds they put up a tremendous performance and if only they could have scored the points their pressure and commitment deserved then they would have pulled off a notable victory.

Youth XV
The youth team have themselves not had an easy season. Short in numbers compared to previous years they like the senior team have made great strides since the start of the season. The lack of numbers and maturity has been compounded by the fact that two of their number, Owen Morgan and Iwan Williams have represented the 1st XV with distinction on many occasions this season. With the two of them back in the fold the team delighted a large crowd of supporters, sponsors and particularly their dedicated coaches, Brian Pritchard and Dan Paley, when they recently emerged victorious against a strong Bedlinog team.

Mini Junior Section
A measure of the success of the Mini/Junior Section can be gleaned from the latest report sent to me (below). Not all teams are represented here because of lack of space. In the next Newsletter I will focus on the Under 15’s and 16’s.

Under 8's
Brecon played Hirwaun at home and put out an outstanding performance winning 13 tries to 3. Try scorers- Tom Richards, Ben Griffin,Will Bush, Frazer Thomas, & Josh Pritchard. Hugh Thomas scoring 2 . Owen Jones & Callun James scoring a hat trick each. Brecon tagged extremely well it was a fantastic team effort all around.

Under 9's
The under 9's played two games at home on the weekend. The 1st against Talywain which Brecon Lost 6-0 although Brecon fought and tackled hard but never gave up .Coach Paul Amphlett said that he had never seen so much talent in a young and unbeaten side. Brecon's next game was against Hirwaun and saw Brecon the winners running in 8 tries to 3. With tries from Ben Amphlett, Sammy Hellard, Tom Whitcomb, Llywelyn Stephens with Dafydd Edwards & Gareth Price scoring 2 each.

Under 10's
Brecon played Abercwmboi in the semi-final of the Heart of Wales Cup. Brecon showed their dominance from the start with tries from Tom Wood, Dafydd Havard, Mered Davies & Alex Ryan in the 1st half. It was Alex that started the ball rolling in the second half to storm over for his second try. Sam Maggs (hooker) had a superb game working well on and off the ball. It was captain Jac Powell that was to score the following two. It was a fast and thrilling game with everyone giving it their all. But it was Alex Ryan that stood out with his tremendous strength and agression.

Under 11's
Also played Hirwaun at home in what proved to be another exciting match.Brecon displayed an outstanding team effort with tries from Oliver Jones, James Hellard, Edward Lewis & Ioan Edwards. Will Trumper, Alex Bush & Rory Myles-Roberts scoring twice.
Under 12's & Under13's
Brecon played Merthyr with combined players from under 12's & 13's. This again was a fast and furious game with Brecon winning 51-19.

The Club and Mini/Junior teams are fortunate to be blessed with a group of dedicated hard working coaches who voluntarily give up a great deal of time effort and expertise to develop the abilities of these talented youngsters. If you have time on a Sunday morning then a visit to Parc de Pugh would be rewarded by the enthusiasm and skills of these future stars.