Kenfig Hill 21 - Brecon 24

Brecon followed up on their dramatic last-minute win over Gowerton with an equally nerve-wracking win in their second Championship match, at Kenfig Hill.

The nature of the win was in complete contrast to that of the previous week. Against Gowerton, Brecon fought back after being behind for most of the second half and, by scoring a last-minute converted try, secured the victory.

This week, Brecon held the lead for most of the game and at one stage led by 19 points to 7. A comfortable victory seemed possible, but Kenfig Hill fought back.

Their try and conversion with 67 minutes on the clock pulled them back to within three points, with the scoreboard reading Kenfig Hill 21, Brecon 24. Thirteen anxious minutes followed, but Brecon held out to claim a second dramatic victory, this time with a try-scoring bonus point.

During the first half of the game, Brecon looked sharp and, in spite of facing a much bigger, more physical pack of forwards, held the scrum and were competitive at the breakdown.

In the strong, gusty wind, Brecon’s line-out was inconsistent. At times it delivered good ball, but at critical moments possession was lost.

Some of that failing could be attributed to the wind, which affected play on a dark, damp autumn afternoon. However, in spite of good variety, the consistency which would have provided the platform for greater opportunities was lacking.

During the second half, the wind became a factor. Through their full-back and outside-half, Kenfig Hill made the most of the strengthening wind, which now favoured them.

Kicks gained huge tranches of territory and Brecon were forced to work hard to gain ground in response. The scrum, too, seemed at times to be an area that the Kenfig pack could exploit.

At a critical point, on the Brecon five-metre line, Brecon’s scrum was penalised three times and warned before the home No. 8 broke off the back and scored a try which was converted.

This score set up the dramatic finishing period. Much to Brecon’s credit, the scrum thereafter stabilised and even took control, a change that enabled Brecon to close out the win.

The game itself started well for Brecon. Outside-half Dean Gunter put in a number of telling kicks and the backs created opportunities, only for a number of simple knock-ons to thwart the Brecon effort.

When Kenfig Hill did gain territory, the work at the breakdown was very effective, with captain Ioan Edwards being particularly prominent.

Gradually, pressure told and gaps appeared. A great run by full-back Alec Barradell seemed to have led to a try, only for play to be brought back for a foot in touch.

Finally, after 15 minutes of play, Brecon opened the scoring. After centre Joel Price made a powerful burst as first receiver off a scrum, Brecon were awarded a penalty.

They took a quick tap and second row Alex Meeson made good ground and delivered quick ball. With players spare on the outside, the final pass was deliberately knocked on and Brecon were justly awarded a penalty try and a seven-point lead.

Within five minutes, Kenfig Hill levelled. Brecon failed to take the kick-off cleanly, a feature that was repeated a number of times during the afternoon.

Brecon’s defence resisted the pressure for a time, but a well-timed short pass opened Brecon’s defence and led to a converted try.

Two minutes later, Brecon restored their lead. A Geraint Workman charge-down and then some great continuity led to Joel Price crashing through, off a short, flat pass, to score.

Kenfig Hill then exerted some pressure, which was relieved by successive turnovers, first by Ioan Edwards and followed by Alex Meeson.

Back on the attack, Brecon took their opportunity. A poor pass seemed to ruin a promising move, only for Alec Barrandell to pick up the loose ball and carve his way through for a try, which Llewelyn Brown converted.

With ten minutes to go to half-time, Brecon should have extended their 12-point lead. A great Gunter 50/22 kick laid the platform, but Brecon lost the line-out and the chance to extend their lead.

That missed opportunity could have proved costly as Kenfig Hill hit back at the start of the second half.

Brecon’s failure to take the kick-off led to pressure and, when a speculative kick through bounced awkwardly, the home side scored a converted try.

Brecon’s response was good. A great Iestyn Phillips tackle won a penalty and the line-out maul gained good ground.

Some lovely driving play involving Edwards, Luke Evans and Cory Westermark almost led to a score but, although denied on this occasion, Brecon took their second opportunity.

A great Luke Evans run and good hands created width and an outstanding Matthew Williams finish, as he beat two defenders near the line.

Again, a failure to deal with the kick-off led to pressure and again Kenfig Hill scored, this time after a series of scrums on Brecon’s five-metre line.

This set up the tense final 13 minutes. For the second week in succession, Brecon showed character.

They held out and finished the game in the Kenfig half with a second victory under their belts.

Brecon’s Athletic team also made a good start to life in Division 4, with a hard-fought win at Treharris by 12 points to 8.