Brecon 29 Abertillery BG 9

WRU NATIONAL LEAGUE DIVISION 1 EAST

ALTHOUGH the ground looked perfect it was very wet after the rain and wind associated with storm Brian and throughout the game the persistent rain and strong wind made conditions very difficult.

To Brecon’s credit they showed from the start that they were not prepared to throw away their ambition and belief in their ability to handle and create space.

Accurate kicking and fielding the slippery ball obviously had a greater significance on the day and in Dean Gunter Brecon possessed an excellent controller, kicker and distributor.

They also showed great skill in gathering threatening high kicks with both full back Jake Newman and wing Jake Crockett unerring in this department.

However, the catch of the day had to be accredited to captain and Man of the match Ewan Williams. In the second half he covered considerable ground before leaping in the air, under considerable pressure, taking the ball cleanly and continuing his surge forward even when slipping onto his knees. There was no doubting that Ewan led his pack by example and they supported him brilliantly in face of much bigger opponents.

Darren Witcomb continued his outstanding form with his carrying regularly taking him across the gain-line but too often, when moves looked promising, Brecon gave away penalties as Abertillery forwards made life difficult at the breakdown. In fact it was Abertillery who scored first when Brecon were penalised.

Brecon struck back immediately. Gunter’s kick gave them a line-out deep in opposition territory. They gained momentum from a drive and then edged forward from the next scrum to allow Ewan Williams to drive through a tackle on the line and score. Gunter converted.

Abertillery trimmed the lead with another penalty when again Brecon were caught trying to dig the ball out of a ruck. Brecon again responded with some superb back play.

Gunter’s take and give was superb and Cameron Gardner cut through the home defence before giving Jake Newman a try-scoring pass. Gunter again converted.

Abertillery drove off a line-out and maintained continuity through a series of forward pick and drives.

As the clock ticked towards half time Brecon restored their eight-point advantage when Gunter kicked a penalty after a promising run out of defence which featured a lovely switch between young wing Ryan Price and Dean Gunter.

Finally Brecon broke out of defence. They showed ambition to move the ball in their 22 and then when in space Newman put in a great kick which led to a line-out deep in the visitors’ 22.

Andy Nicholl was just held up over the line but Brecon’s pressure told and when Brecon’s forwards released the ball Jake Crockett came in off the left wing to make the extra man and put right wing Ryan Price in for a try which Gunter converted.

Price got his second try when a lovely hand off gave him space to outstrip the defence and score in the corner.

Brecon’s sixth bonus point win in seven league matches.

The second XV added to the feel good factor when they posted a 31-7 win over Caerphilly, their fourth league from four league matches.