WRU Youth Cup

Brecon Youth go through to the semi-final of the Welsh Cup after a nail-biting encounter with the mighty Pontypridd.

A game that had it all was decided by the width of the rugby post in the last seconds of an enthralling encounter.

Brecon Youth had never in their history got to the quarter-final stage of this competition before and were well aware Pontypridd would offer a huge challenge, one the Brecon side embraced.

Brecon got off to a perfect start with a Tom Richards try within five minutes, it was well worked and confirmed Brecon’s intent early to use their speedy and talented back line which continued to create problems for the home side throughout the game.

After a good start and a period of early dominance for the visitors Pontypridd slowly started to get into the game and began to get the upper hand at the break down.

They were rewarded with a try and a penalty which put them into the lead. The visitors continued to put the home side under pressure and after some good forward driving play the visitors won a penalty and a quick tap and go resulted in a try under the posts for Olly Lewis which was converted by Ryan Williams.

Brecon led 12-8 at the break.

Although Brecon had dominance in the scrum, they were not as clinical at the line out which unfortunately meant that after getting into some good attacking positions, from some excellent penalty kicks to touch, they were unable to capitalise on the territorial advantage and add to the score.

The home side were able to relieve the pressure and began to show why they have been such a dominant force in youth rugby for many years.

Their dominance grew as the second half progressed and they were rewarded with a unconverted try. As time moved on Brecon had to regain control if their dream of a semi-final was to be realised.

After a fantastic move from deep in their own territory it was Rhys Peters who showed great strength and determination to finish a try in the corner. This was soon followed by another try from captain Josh Pritchard which gave Brecon a six-point cushion with ten minutes remaining and all from Brecon started to believe this was going to be another epic victory. Pontypridd were not going to accept defeat and with the mounting pressure they exerted on the visitors the referee awarded them numerous penalties in the red zone and it appeared it would only be a matter of time before they would break through the resilient but tiring Brecon defence.

Pontypridd’s try inevitably came with seconds remaining in the game and to all those watching the conversion just to the left of the post looked like a formality with everyone expecting it to go over and the victory to be snatched from the visitors.

The kick was well struck but it hit the upright and ensured that it was the visitors who were victorious at the end of an incredible game between two committed and highly skilled sides.

This was a fine advert for youth rugby.