WRU National League Division 3 South East

Saturday 26th January 2008

Fairwater 15 - Brecon 23

Following a disappointing home defeat a week ago Brecon desperately needed to get something out of their visit to fellow strugglers Fairwater (Cardiff). Having lost the corresponding home match in September, Brecon could not afford to be so generous once again. Anything other than a win would put the team in deep trouble while the same could be said for the home side. This match, therefore, was critical in terms of survival in this division.

Fairwater possesses a powerful, aggressive pack and a strong defence but they have hardly shone as an attacking force. The heavy ground and a strong downfield wind, therefore, were not unwelcomed by the home side and there is no doubting that they had high hopes of a victory.

In the face of such stern opposition and in conditions that hardly suited Brecon the team showed great resilience and every member of the squad should be congratulated for the effort made and the result they achieved. The victory was by no means easily won. Early in the second half, facing the wind and with only a ten point advantage, Brecon were reduced to 13 players as they lost first prop Andrew Davies and then scrum half Geraint Price; both sin binned by a referee who did not endear himself to the Brecon supporters. Apart from the sin binnings he disallowed three Brecon tries and failed to control some robust home play which bordered on being over aggressive. Facing such a handicap, the team defended brilliantly and then when they lifted the pressure scored a great try to put themselves in a commanding position before a late home score narrowed the gap.

While this was undoubtedly a great team performance a number of individuals stood out. The two sin binned players made important contributions in their curtailed match. Geraint Price at scrum half again showed what a good finisher he is. Early in the match he broke from 20 metres out and showed pace and balance to give Brecon an early but deserved lead.

Andrew Davies continued in the sort of form that won him man of the match last week. He scrummaged well and in the loose he was a real handful, showing great strength and drive. Alan Taylor, Gareth Owens and Dale Williams, his partners in the front row of the front row followed his lead and outplayed their opponents.

In the back row Owen Davies played as everyone now expects him to play. His powerful drives off the base of the scrum are a feature of his play and although opponents know he’s coming they have difficulty stopping him. Gethin Thomas, alongside him gets through huge amounts of work, often unseen but his value to the team cannot be overstated.

In the backs Gethin Davies was outstanding. He scored two great tries and caused panic in the home defence every time he had the ball. In addition his defence was faultless. While his contribution was immense he would be the first to acknowledge the support he received. His first try came after Owen Davies broke. Debutant outside half Rob Jones carried the move on before giving Gethin the chance he needed. This was not the only major contribution that Rob made. He did a good job of controlling the game and brought players onto the ball with accurate, well timed passes. In addition he was not afraid to take on the opposition and he looks to be a very good prospect.

Gethin’s second try came after some good initial work by substitute centre James Davenport. Brecon were lucky to have such an accomplished player on the bench.

The remainder of Brecon’s points came from the boot of Daniel Edwards who moved back to full back. His eight points from two penalties and a conversion matched the final difference in score between the two sides with Fairwater having scored two tries, both towards the end of each half, together with one conversion and a penalty.

Brecon’s next match does not take place until 16th February. In the build up to that match they have time to ponder on a job which has partially been done. Their next two encounters against Heol-y-Cyw at home and Tonyrefail away, on1st March, will be critical in their battle to retain their present status. Losses in either or both of those games will unravel all the progress they have made by handing over points to teams placed below them in the league. Two good wins, on the other hand, will give them a big safety margin and ease any remaining anxieties.