Brecon’s season found a spark at Parc de Pugh at the weekend as they held their nerve to claim a thrilling two-point win over Ystrad Rhondda.

Brecon 14 – Ystrad 12

The home side started brightly, pressing Ystrad deep in their territory during the opening exchanges but failing to turn pressure into points.

Although both sides were playing expansive rugby, the game remained scoreless right up to the 30th minute. Brecon’s defence was excellent throughout, holding out multiple close-range mauls and wide attacks.

Ystrad did eventually fing a way through, with flanker James Owen scoring from a pop pass off a maul and outside-half Lewis Williams converting to give the visitors a 7-0 lead at the break.

The second half was a test of character, and Brecon delivered. With the scrum bolstered by the introduction of Andy Nicholl, the home side began to win crucial penalties.

Their equalising score came from a good chain of play: a strong run from Rhys Davies put wing Joel Price in space, and his well-judged kick ahead forced Ystrad into action. Scrum-half Geraint Workman chased the kick and halted Cavan Davies on his own five-metre line, while support arrived but Ystrad failed to secure the ball in the ruck. The referee called “the ball is out” and Brecon’s flanker Iwan Dark reacted instantly, scooping up the loose ball and scoring the try unchallenged. Jake Newman converted from a wide angle to level the score at 7-7.

Ystrad pressed to try and restore their lead, but Brecon struck again. Joel Price intercepted deep inside his own half and ran clear under the posts, Newman adding the conversion to make it 14-7.

A frantic final play saw Ystrad force a late try, but the conversion sailed wide, confirming a dramatic and vital victory for the home side.