On Sunday, April 19, all roads from Brecon led to the Principality Stadium, Cardiff.

The Brecon Athletic team bus led the way, followed by seven coaches packed with supporters, whose numbers were boosted by numerous independent travellers. It brought back memories of the great 2019 triumph, when Brecon 1st XV lifted the Division 1 Cup with victory over Bonymaen.

Could the Athletic follow suit? That was the question on the minds of all those who travelled to the National Stadium on a cool but glorious spring morning. If they could, Brecon would become the first WRU club to see both their First XV and Athletic sides win trophies at the National Stadium.

While that was the ambition, everyone clearly understood that their opponents, Bargoed Warriors, would pose a real threat. This was reflected in their league standings and recent form. With a few games left to play, both teams topped their respective Division 5 leagues. Brecon were narrowly ahead in Division 5 East Central, in front of Cardiff Met Athletic, with 15 wins and just one defeat. Bargoed led Division 5 East with nine wins from nine matches and remained unbeaten in 2025/26, including a narrow friendly win over Brecon earlier in the season.

This showcase final was always expected to be a closely fought contest between two very strong sides.

That anticipation was not misplaced. At a time of considerable off-field controversy in Welsh rugby, this match was not only a credit to both teams but also a superb advertisement for community rugby in Wales. Both squads gave everything, and the standard on the immaculate Principality Stadium surface was genuinely high. There were errors, but they were few and far between, emphasised by the fact the first scrum did not take place until after 25 minutes.

Both teams looked to entertain, keeping the ball in hand and making use of the wide expanses of the pitch and near-perfect playing conditions. To the delight of a large and vocal crowd, they succeeded. In the end, Brecon ran out 49–5 winners, although the scoreline does not reflect how competitive the contest was for long periods.

Brecon Athletic started the stronger of the two sides. Brecon’s evergreen Wyn Davies secured the opening lineout on the Brecon 10-metre line. The ball was delivered to full-back Jake Crockett, and everyone - including the Bargoed defence - expected a a pragmatic and safe clearance. Instead, Crockett broke the line and sliced through the defence before being dragged down inside the 22, where the ball was scrambled into touch.

Captain Will Prosser, who led superbly throughout, claimed cleanly at the lineout, and Brecon formed a well-organised maul which drove inexorably towards the try line. Josh Pritchard, a powerful carrier, finished the move to score the opening try.

When Crockett made another break soon after, Brecon looked set for a second score, but a pass went astray and Bargoed cleared before stealing a lineout to mount their first spell of pressure. They looked composed with ball in hand and repeatedly threatened the gain line. From a penalty kick to the corner, they earned a five-metre lineout, but Josh Pritchard produced a crucial turnover at the breakdown, and Richie Davies made strong ground with a powerful carry out of defence.

Bargoed continued to attack, but Brecon’s defence held firm. A Kyron Dillon break down the left took play into Bargoed territory, and when Brecon won a penalty on the 10-metre line, Crockett successfully kicked the points to extend the lead.

Bargoed responded immediately, mixing powerful pick-and-drives with wide attacking play. Brecon were forced to defend their 22, and only a timely Richie Davies turnover helped relieve pressure. Bargoed continued to press, with flanker Josh Michaels making a strong midfield break, but Brecon scrambled well and a Rhodri Workman tackle forced a knock-on.

Brecon then began to gain control at the scrum, with the front row of Josh Hamilton, Richie Davies and replacement Iestyn Phillips on top. From this platform, No. 8 Davey Herdman made two strong carries, while Owen Morgan sparked another attack that was halted by a dropped pass.

As the half drew to a close, tensions rose in a physical contest, and Bargoed were reduced to 14 men after a yellow card. Brecon were unable to fully capitalise before the interval.

Bargoed began the second half a man down but started brightly. Centre Luke Ellaway broke through midfield, only for Luke Price to produce a crucial tackle. Brecon then struck back when Prosser stole possession and drove forward, before linking with Tudor Roderick and Darren Witcomb, whose strong carrying took Brecon deep into opposition territory. Jake Crockett’s offload sent Luke Price over in the corner.

Almost immediately, Kyron Dillon made another break, chipping ahead and forcing a knock-on. From the resulting scrum, Wyn Davies powered over for a try.

Now 18 points ahead, Brecon grew in confidence and added a fourth try. From a scrum, Gareth Price delayed his pass expertly, releasing Tudor Roderick, who cut through the defence to score.

Brecon were now dictating the tempo, and with fresh legs added in the front row, they continued to dominate. However, Bargoed struck back after a Brecon error, taking a quick tap penalty which allowed Aaron Hughes to score.

There was to be no comeback. From a dominant scrum, Davey Herman broke forward, linking with scrum-half Hugh Prothero, who fed Crockett for a try he also converted.

The next score carried a touch of fortune. Bargoed were turned over at the breakdown by Henry Morgan Jervis, and Brecon hacked the ball forward. Crockett won the chase, and Prothero finished the move, with Crockett again converting.

As Brecon emptied the bench, bringing on Josh Evans and Iwan Davies, the game became increasingly one-sided after what had been a fiercely competitive contest. Iestyn Phillips powered over from a driving maul before Crockett, shortly after being named man of the match, intercepted a pass deep in his own 22 and raced the length of the field to score. He handed kicking duties to former captain and great servant of Brecon, James Hellard, who added the conversion.

That brought the curtain down on a superb match and sealed an outstanding cup victory for Brecon against a very good Bargoed side.

The presentation ceremony was met with a crescendo of noise, with players ensuring coach Huw Phillips was central to the celebrations.