Fixture

Brynmawr RFC | 1st Team 26 - 18 Brecon RFC | 1st Team
Nathan Jones
Try 1
Leigh Sweet
Try 1
Daniel Butler
Conversion 3
Leigh James Taylor
Try 1
Ricky Jones
Try 1
Eifion Jones
1 Try
Gari Davies
1 Conversion
2 Penalty
Danniel Howe
1 Try

Match Report
01 December 2015 / Team News

Brynmawr 26 - Brecon 18

With an important win under their belts from the previous week Brecon travelled to Brynmawr hoping to take their improved form with them as they brought the first half of the league season to a climax at Brynmawr. Their task was never going to be easy. Conditions were difficult, to say the least, with a driving wind and rain making handling difficult Brecon immediately lost what has been one of their major weapons so far this season. They also faced a big pack well suited to the conditions and a team holding fourth place in the league. Realistically, therefore, Brecon were chasing a losing bonus point which their recent form suggested was achievable.

Brecon started with the wind at their backs but were unable to make the most of the conditions. Indiscipline initially cost Brecon territory and then the power of the Brynmawr pack made them pay dearly for forfeiting territory. After just 8 minutes the Brynmawr pack struck through, what has been Brecon’s Achilles Heel all season, a driving maul. From 5 metres out they were unstoppable and in spite of facing the wind Brynmawr took a 5 point lead.

From the kick off Brecon were able to gain territory but never really threatened until Gari Davies reduced the lead with a well struck penalty. Any hopes that Brecon had that they could overhaul the Brynmawr lead were dashed when some powerful forward drives gave the home side an attacking platform and with their scrum going well, Brecon were put on the back foot. It was from such a scrum near the Brecon line that Brynmawr scored again. They drove the Brecon pack back and their Number 8 picked up and scored a try which was converted.

Just before half time Brecon did score again through the reliable boot of Gari Davies but turning around to face the wind with a six point deficit was hardly comforting.

As the second half started Brecon knew that they had to put their opponents under pressure by allowing them little time or space. First up tackles had to be made and the defensive line speed had to be good. So effectively did Brecon implement their defensive duties that they forced Brynmawr into a mistake. Under pressure a ball was dropped and Brecon hacked through, chased well and eventually Eifion Jones crossed for a try under the posts. Gari Davies’ conversion gave Brecon the lead.

The lead, however, was short lived. Brynmawr put Brecon under pressure from the kick off and eventually capitalised as a second driving maul, this time from 22 metres out, led to a try and a conversion.

Brecon again battled back but at critical times their line out malfunctioned and half way through the second half ill-discipline resulted in a yellow card. One man down the scrum now came under huge pressure and after a series of collapsed scrums near the Brecon line the referee awarded a penalty try which was converted.

Now 26 points to 13 down and facing the wind Brecon looked out of the game. However, to their credit, they fought back. Their own forward drive in the opposition 22 was effective and Danny Howe stole over for a try. The conversion narrowly missed leaving Brecon just one point short of a bonus point.

Try as they did during the final minutes they could not quite earn the opportunity to claim the point they deserved and their loyal band of supporters left the ground very cold, wet and disappointed. However, they will all be there again next week when Brecon will again be in the Gwent valleys at Blackwood.

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