It would be hard to describe Brecon’s cup match against unbeaten Merthyr at the Wern as anything other than a comprehensive defeat.

The scoreline told some of the story but there were elements that need to be looked at, considered and worked on, before Brecon enter a critical November campaign. During that month, Brecon face two tough away games at Ystrad and Newbridge before they return to Parc de Pugh to face Narberth on November 15. Without a win under their belts, there is now a desperate need to turn development into form which provides positive results.

The Cup match at Merthyr was never going to be easy, particularly after Merthyr comfortably won at Parc de Pugh against a competitive Brecon squad just the previous Saturday. However, what unfolded was not the best of preparations for the forthcoming challenges.

The first quarter was competitive and Brecon started with something of a “bang”. Merthyr confidently tried to run out of defence only for their lively full-back, Corum Nott, to be hit by a thunderous Ratu Balenaivalu tackle. That tackle gave Brecon an early platform deep in the Merthyr 22. However, they fell to one of their recurring faults of the campaign so far. In spite of the fact that Brecon’s line-out was far more accurate than the previous week, they failed to capitalise on a good attacking position. That failure has been, and continued to be, a disappointing trend. By contrast, Merthyr were clinical.

The first Merthyr score had an all too familiar feel. A penalty was kicked to touch deep in the Brecon 22. Brecon’s defence of the maul showed massive improvement and they held the drive, but when Merthyr broke off, they went through phase after phase, and a great offload opened Brecon’s defence to set up the opening converted try.

Brecon fought back but it was Merthyr who scored again. This time their No 8 Jordan Burke broke off a dominant scrum on a long and powerful run. The back line made great use of quick ball off the breakdown. Great handling at pace put wing Joseff Jones over in the corner and Ben Jones converted,

At 14-0 down, Brecon then came close to hitting back. A great Chad Davies run down the left wing should have led to more but once again, in spite of a period of pressure, and clear opportunities, Brecon failed to score. That failure was costly as Brecon’s scrum started to come under huge pressure. They also suffered a third unfortunate score as an overthrown Merthyr line-out resulted in a wicked bounce which evaded the Brecon defence and fell straight into the arms of the advancing Ben Jones, who ran through untouched for a try, which he converted.

With the half approaching its end Brecon, suffered two blows. Chad Davies, who had been prominent in attack and defence, left the field with a shoulder injury and young centre, Joel Price, who had been equally effective, was penalised and sent to the sin bin. One man down, Brecon fought hard, but as the half came to a close, Merthyr scored their fourth try against the depleted Brecon defence.

While the first half had been competitive, that could hardly be said about the second. Merthyr dominated physically as they embarked on high tempo game which they skilfully managed accurately and with pace. Brecon really had no answer, particularly after they suffered a second yellow card. Merthyr added another four tries, with their third emphasising the difference between the two sides. Ratu and Chris Phillips combined to take play deep into the home 22. In the tackle, Brecon spilled the ball and Merthyr cleared to a line-out on half way. Brecon lost the line-out on their throw and Merthyr broke and ran in a try.

52-0 down, Brecon finally scored. A lovely Ryan Davies chip over the Merthyr defence was gathered by wing Ben Griffin and he ran in to score a try which Davies converted. Sadly that was the end of Brecon’s resistance. Merthyr finished with four more unanswered tries as they ran everything against a now deflated Brecon resistance.

In his post match assessment, forwards coach, Adam Powell, was positive as he set out to lift his players.

“When you came to Merthyr RFC, you have to be at the top of your game,” he said.

“They are clinical and good at what they do.

“However, we are proud of your efforts this week, proud of what we are building and trying to get better.

“We are looking forward to our week ahead with you, and our trip to Ystrad Rhondda on Saturday.”