BRECON RFC host last season’s double winners Brynmawr on Saturday in a game that could see the home side climb to top spot in their division.
Brecon currently have a perfect 12 wins from 12 in WRU National League 1 East and are also through to the quarter finals of the WRU Plate competition.
Third placed Brynmawr travel to Parc de Pugh on Saturday (2.30pm) needing a win to keep their hopes of defending the title they won last season alive.
The ’Mawr have played one game more than Brecon and have suffered two defeats, one a home loss to Saturday’s hosts in November, and the other a month ago at Penallta, who have also played 13, and lead the division on points difference from Brecon.
Penallta’s only loss was a narrow defeat at Brynmawr and they and Brecon both have 57 points with Brynmawr on 53.
Brecon, coached by former Wales and British Lions forward Andy Powell and experienced former Llanelli Scarlets centre Matthew Watkins, have impressed this season with a strong pack and a skilful, pacy backline. Brecon have scored 59 tries and conceded just 17.
However while Brynmawr have scored 58 tries they have allowed their opponents to run in 24.
Forecast of dry, sunny weather for Saturday is likely to favour the home side and will be in stark contrast to when the two teams last met at Parc de Pugh.
Brecon’s own title hopes were ended last season by Brynwar who recorded the double over them.
Brecon had been leading the division last January when they fell to a second defeat to Brynmawr, at Parc de Pugh, in a game marred by bad weather.
Defeat handed the Blaenau Gwent side, who at that point had two games in hand, the advantage in the title race.
Brynmawr never looked back from there they won the division with 97 points with Penallta their nearest challengers 10 points behind and Brecon finishing third on 83 points.
They also won the WRU Plate, at the Principality Stadium, with a 50-29 victory over North Walians Nant Conwy and the champions are also through to this year’s quarter finals.
Brecon have already gained revenge on Brynmawr this season coming back from the highest town in Wales with a 14-32 victory in November at a time when their hosts were top of the league.
An enforced break has seen Brecon out of action since their 19-0 home victory over Risca at the end of January and their away trip to Ynysybwl fell foul of the snow and ice on February 2.
Brynmawr however look to be in good form before they cross the Beacons. They shunned the opportunity for a break over the Six Nations weekend and instead hosted Dowlais and put them to the sword winning 45-17 to keep the heat on Brecon and Penallta who are away at bottom but one Hartridge on Saturday. The Newport side have conceded more than 330 points and 43 tries this season so whatever happens at Parc de Pugh the Ystrad Mynach side are likely to remain top of the table for now.
Brecon do not meet Penallta until they travel to Caerphilly county at the end of March and the two sides will meet in Brecon in the final league game of the season at the end of April.
Other fixtures on Saturday, February 16
In 2 West Central Builth Wells are away at Porthcawl and Ystradgynlais host Resolven (2.30pm) at the Welfare Ground.
There is action at the bottom end of the 3 East Central A division at Trefecca Road in Talgarth (2.30pm) where Clwb Rygbi Cymru Caerdydd travel from Cardiff to meet the team immediately below them, bottom but one, Gwernyfed.
Divison 3 West Central A leaders Abercrave host Penlan, who are one from bottom, at Plas y Ddol (2.30pm).
Crickhowell are also at home in 3 East C and they entertain Newport side Rogerstone at Parc Broyd (2.30pm).
In 3 East D Rhayader travel to Blaenavon to face Forgeside (2.30pm) just a week after the rampant Rams inflicted a heavy defeat on the village club.
Tref y Clawdd will be looking for revenge against Abertillery side Old Tylerian when they host them at Knighton (2.30pm).
Last weekend’s action
There was little action for local sides last weekend as most teams took a break from league play to enjoy the international tournament.
However Llandrindod Wells did travel to Cardiff Saracens in 3 East Central C and suffered a 41-0 loss.
Both Rhayader and Tref y Clawdd also saw action in 3 East D. The Rams posted an impressive 64-0 home victory over Gwent team Forgeside but Tref y Clawdd were defeated 21-5 at Old Tylerian on their travels in the county.