Fixture

Following the drama and success of the previous Saturday, when Brecon took the spoils in the top of the table clash with Penallta, it was important that the team put the emotions of that victory behind them and to focus on the next challenge. To succeed in their second Division 1 Cup Pool match at Dinas Powys there could be no room for complacency. With both teams having won their opening round matches there was a lot a stake. Dinas Powys have not exactly had great success in their Division 1 East Central campaign to date but with the incentive to progress in the Cup and playing at home, on probably the narrowest pitch Brecon have ever encountered, there was always the possibility of an upset. Another unknown was how would Brecon cope with a team which fielded a total of 11 player and positional changes from the previous week. The fact that they produced an outstanding 57 points to 24 victory says a lot for the strength in depth of the team and they way in which the coaching team have managed and prepared the whole of the senior squad.

In the re-shuffled team, there were two players making their first appearance of the season for the 1^st XV, one player starting for the first time in a new role and another making a return after an enforced break of four weeks. Each individual justified the faith put in them by their coaches while producing excellent individual performances and slotting into and fully participating in the team ethos. Dafydd Edwards at full back showed confidence and competence in initiating a serries of effective counter attacks. His ability to change the direction of the attack was clear and he both linked with and supported team mates so effectively that he ended the day with three tries under his belt. James Hellard played a great link role in the centre. He certainly did not look out of place and his handling skills allowed the outside backs time and space in which to flourish. In the playmaking role of outside half, Morgan Price looked completely at home. He varied play well. He accurately employed a range of short and wide passes while he occasionally took on his opponents with ball in hand and, when necessary, kicked effectively out of hand. At Number 8 Logan McIntosh made a very impressive return to the team. He ran and tackled hard, regularly breaking through the gain line. While in those phases he showed power and drive he complimented that with great soft skills with ball in hand, effectively offloading out of the tackle or feeding supporting players.

While it is right to focus on the newcomers in the team and the way they stepped up to the mark the more settled members of the team clearly also deserve praise for the way the challenge was met and dismissed with some sublime rugby which produced a total of nine tries.

 Dinas Powys started well. The tried to play towards their strength which was in the overall bulk of their team. Brecon had to cope with some sustained early pressure and Dinas Powys opened the scoring with a penalty. From that point on, Brecon took control of the game. Their scrum dominated throughout and delivered front-foot ball while also succeeding in driving their opponents off the ball on four occasions. The line out functioned well with hooker Dewi Edwards finding his jumpers effectively, with a lot of good ball being delivered off the top of the jump. In broken play also, Brecon were dominant with the back row unit of Ioan Edwards, Matthew Williams, Logan McIntosh and replacement Josh Millichap having a huge influence on the game. With plenty of good ball the backs showed far too much pace and variety for the home defence.

Brecon’s first try reflected the difference between the two teams. A half charged down kick resulted in loose ball. Brecon’s Richie Davies was on the ball in a flash and he linked with the instant support. Finally, Dafydd Edwards was put in the clear for the opening try which Crockett converted. Almost immediately Brecon scored again. After a Geraint Workman break and a powerful drive by Logan McIntosh, Will Prosser crashed over and Crockett converted. The third try was set up by Morgan Price. His dummy and break created space and Jake Crockett once again showed what a great finisher he is with a try which he converted. Brecon’s scrum power created the next try which Logan McIntosh finished. He burst through the defence off the back of the advancing scrum.

Half time brought some rest bite for Dinas Powys but within the first ten minutes of the second half Brecon scored again. Flanker Matthew Williams made a great break through mid-field. Isolated for a time he sensibly looked for support and finally found it in Ryan Price who made great ground before feeding Ioan Edwards out of a final tackle. Edwards scored and Crockett converted.

With 33 points under their belts Brecon suddenly, and for the first time in the match, seemed to lack concentration in defence. For the first time players fell off tackles and Dinas Powys players made progress. In an overall very successful match this was a disappointing, though understandable, lapse which Brecon must guard against in future, as better teams cannot be allowed back into the game in a similar fashion. Dinas Powys capitalised on Brecon’s lapse. Their outside half scored their first converted try. Brecon hit back immediately after great interplay involving Ben Griffin and Dafydd Edwards with Edwards finishing with a second try. Dinas Powys hit back with a second converted try after poor defence in mid-field and they soon added their third.

While there was no danger of Dinas Powys closing the gap but suddenly the score did not look as flattering for the visitors. Suddenly there seemed to be a realisation that there was a need to re-focus and Brecon responded well. Will Prosser featured as Brecon hit back and after a series of charges near the line the ball was spread wide and Dafydd Edwards who ran in unopposed for his third try. The eight try came when Prosser broke blind and gave Ben Griffin an opportunity which the wing took clinically. Finally, after good work by Aneurin James, Andy Nicholl and Carl Blacker, it was Ben Griffin who finished with his second try. Crockett ended the successful afternoon with a great wide conversion.

The success of the senior team was matched by both the Athletic and Youth teams. The Athletic won against a strong Aberdare outfit 19 points to 10 and the youth beat Treorchy 36 points to 21. One note which shows the commitment of Brecon players should be made. Flanker Iwan Davies travelled to Dinas Powys as a travelling reserve. When his services were no longer required, he made the long journey back to Brecon and made himself available off the bench for the Athletic team. Outstanding commitment which reflects the attitude and camaraderie within the squad.