Six defeats from the opening six league games is a statistic no team wants to carry, yet that’s the reality Brecon face as the first quarter of the season concludes. Their latest outing took them into the heart of the Rhondda to face mid-table Ystrad, with hopes of finally securing a much-needed win. Unfortunately, those hopes were dashed as Brecon returned home on the wrong end of a 24–3 scoreline.

The day began with disruption. During the warm-up, outside half Rhys Davies suffered an injury, forcing a last-minute reshuffle. Jake Newman moved to fly-half, and Ben Griffin stepped in at full back. Then, after just 20 minutes, second row Alwyn Lee was forced off, and with his departure, Brecon lost control of their line-out. These setbacks were significant, but not the sole reason for the defeat. Familiar problems—basic errors, poor tactical execution, and a lack of clinical finishing—again undermined their efforts.

Three of Ystrad’s four tries came directly from Brecon mistakes. After a promising start, Brecon charged down a kick and won a penalty, allowing Newman to give them a 3–0 lead. But they immediately dropped the restart, and Ystrad capitalized. A switch play created an overlap for wing Cavan Davies to score, converted by Jacob Symes.

The game then settled into a relatively balanced contest, though Ystrad dominated territory. Brecon’s kicking game failed to challenge the home back three, who had time and space to counter. The deadlock broke again when Lee left the field. Newman’s 50/22 kick gave Brecon a chance in the home 22, but their line-out faltered. An overthrow allowed Ystrad to clear, and another line-out error led to a second converted try.

Brecon’s best spell came late in the first half. Playing off a solid scrum base anchored by Chris Phillips and Richie Davis, they gained momentum. Ioan Edwards made consistent ground, and a Geraint Workman break followed by a Tom Richards run nearly produced a score. Edwards linked with wing Chad Davies, earning Brecon a scrum seven metres out. Workman broke, and Joel Price ran a strong line, only to lose the ball in a double hit. Ystrad won the ensuing scrum and ended the half by kicking the ball dead.

The second half began scrappily, with neither side able to build continuity. Brecon tried to run from deep, but errors and Ystrad’s defence kept them out. Another Newman 50/22 gave Brecon a line-out in the home 22, but again, an overthrow cost them possession. Ystrad responded clinically, working upfield before Symes delivered a pinpoint kick pass to Davies for his second try.

Brecon tried to rally. Replacement hooker Josh Pritchard and young flanker Harvey Bowen carried well, but accuracy continued to elude them. A lost ball was punished as Ystrad moved it wide for their fourth try.

Brecon’s return journey was subdued, with coaches Kris Dacey and Matthew Trowbridge summing it up: “A disappointing afternoon. Playing all the rugby in all the wrong areas isn’t the way forward—but now it’s on to the next game.”

Back home, they were met by a jubilant Athletic team, who celebrated their sixth straight league win with a 42–10 victory at Caerau Ely.