In the middle of a heatwave with temperatures of 30 degrees plus, Brecon travelled to Dunvant to play the first pre-season match in the build up to the new season, writes Ron Rowsell.

Thankfully the pitch was in remarkably good condition. In spite of the drought there was a good covering of almost green grass.

For Brecon, following a very good pre-season training programme there was considerable anticipation and expectation amongst the squad of players and a good contingent of travelling supporters.

The coaching team of Dale McIntosh, Gavin Dacey and Owen Shepherd had decided to give a full squad of 30 players an opportunity to test themselves in match conditions. There was also an emphasis on giving the youngest members of the squad as much of an opportunity as possible to show what they could do in match conditions. The main aim, therefore, was not necessarily to achieve a win but to start to get players to work together on the patterns developed in training in match conditions and for them to express themselves.

However, in any competitive situation, achieving a positive result is important as it builds confidence and winning becomes a habit. With this in mind there was undoubtedly a sense of disappointment at the end of the match when Brecon slipped to defeat in a match that they could and should have won.

There were many positives. 30 players had the chance to be hone their skills in a competitive situation for the first time in more than four months.

Some of the attacking play was exciting and very promising with numerous opportunities being created. The line-out in general worked well and the scrum was solid and at times dominant, particularly when the most experienced unit linked up together. In the main, the defence was solid.

For long periods Dunvant had territorial dominance but they were denied the opportunity to create try scoring opportunities other than the two isolated occasions when they did register scores after Brecon mistakes.

It was also clear that the Brecon squad are keen to learn and certainly there were learning opportunities in areas that will be highlighted and need to be worked on in coming weeks.

One of the areas that will require attention is the breakdown. Brecon failed to sustain pressure when after promising build ups they were frequently turned over or surrendered a penalty at the breakdown.

This was certainly a problem in terms of protecting and respecting the ball. To some extent the same could also be said about Brecon’s failure to capitalise on the opportunities they created.

Some lovely individual and team play created numerous chances but on almost every occasion Brecon failed to show a clinical edge and lost the ball either in the tackle or in putting a free player away. Credit had to be given to the determined Dunvant cover but in the main it was an issue for Brecon players and coaches to address.

Opportunities were also lost off driving line outs. At least three times Brecon had the chance to score off attacking line outs.

To be fair the first was stopped at source when an effective Dunvant sacking of the line out which killed the opportunity at source. The two remaining mauls were well set and advanced towards the try line but within striking distance a home player managed to work his way through the maul and isolate the ball.

The game itself was frequently interrupted for water breaks and changes in personnel but a pattern developed.

The first two periods were scoreless with Dunvant having territorial advantage but with Brecon looking the most likely team to score when creating a number of opportunities after some great running from long range.

Into the third period Brecon took control and at last emphasised their superiority with a try for prop Rhys Mills after some good work involving hooker Dewi Edwards and scrum half Carl Blacker. Dion Mcintosh added the conversion. Blacker then almost scored shortly afterwards but was injured in the process of stretching for the line and played no further part in the game.

In the fourth period Dunvant hit back after a soft penalty allowed them to attack off a 5-metre line-out. A classic, powerful cut back against the grain finally broke through Brecon’s defensive wall. The conversion failed but Brecon’s lead was cut to two points.

The next period was again pointless but again with Brecon spurning opportunities as their scrum began to dominate. As the game entered the final period there was an expectation that Brecon would either extend or hold on to their lead.

However, as the game entered its final phases, Brecon were awarded a penalty on half way. They went for a quick tap and instantly lost the ball. The ambition could not be faulted but the execution left a lot to be desired.

Dunvant gained ground and finally after a good period of continuity they scored in the corner. There was time to regain the lead and Brecon got close with a line out drive which took them to the line but ended inconclusively with Dunvant being award the scrum.

The final score was Dunvant 10 - Brecon 7.

There was plenty an honest assessment in the post-match, on field, debrief with an emphasis on getting things right during the week prior to the challenge of travelling to face Championship team Narberth on Saturday.