After last week’s defeat at Pontypridd, Brecon returned to Parc de Pugh eager to bounce back against Narberth.

However, an error-laden performance left them narrowly beaten in a game that was within their grasp. Last year’s Championship West winners, Narberth, came to Brecon with just one win this season, but their tenacity ensured they edged out a narrow win, leaving Brecon to settle for a losing bonus point.

The opening stages showed promise for Brecon. They dominated territory and looked the more dangerous team, with full-back Jake Newman almost creating a dream start. Gathering a kick on his 22-metre line, Newman beat the first defender, charged into open space, and chipped ahead, only for the ball to bounce into touch near Narberth’s goal line. Brecon quickly regained possession, forcing a scrum in the corner, but their first attacking opportunity ended with a conceded penalty, allowing Narberth to clear their lines.

Brecon broke the deadlock after ten minutes. Strong runs by No. 8 James Roberts gained vital metres, creating space out wide. Outside-half James Dixon floated a pass to centre Huw Jones, who gathered on the bounce to cross the line for a try on his senior debut. Despite this early lead, Brecon’s momentum faltered.

Narberth’s response was swift. Their outside-half Jonathan Rogers chipped delicately over Brecon’s defence, and centre Harrison Griffiths collected the ball under pressure before racing away to score. Rogers converted, giving Narberth a 7-5 lead. From that point, Brecon struggled to maintain fluency. Handling errors and a string of penalties handed Narberth the initiative, while Brecon’s overambitious passing prevented them from capitalising on promising positions. Wingers Sam Jones and Ryan Davies threatened but lacked the final support to break through. Solid defensive efforts from Ioan Edwards and Aneurin James kept Brecon in contention, but the half ended with Narberth holding a narrow lead.

The second half began poorly for Brecon. After stealing a Narberth lineout, they conceded a breakdown penalty, which Rogers slotted to extend the visitors’ advantage to 10-5. Brecon’s lineout woes continued, with a not-straight throw and an overthrow squandering attacking platforms. Narberth capitalised on these errors to clear their lines and keep Brecon under pressure.

A pivotal moment came when Newman chipped ahead for centre Tomos Davies to chase. Gathering brilliantly, Davies charged towards the line but was hauled down just short. His offload, intended to keep the move alive, was intercepted, and Narberth launched a devastating counterattack. Following sustained pressure, Narberth powered over for a converted try, making it 15-5.

With the game slipping away, Brecon showed resilience. Strong carries from Ryan Davies and Sam Jones built momentum, and after a series of phases, prop Chris Phillips hit a superb line off a Lewis Jones pass to crash over for Brecon’s second try. Newman’s conversion reduced the deficit to three points with six minutes remaining.

Brecon’s final opportunity came from a pinpoint grubber kick by Geraint Walsh, which found Ryan Davies five metres from the line. A clean pick-up could have secured a dramatic win, but the ball bounced awkwardly, eluding Davies at full pace. Narberth cleared the danger, sealing their hard-fought victory.

This result leaves Brecon searching for consistency as they prepare to face Cardiff Met next Saturday. They have got to believe in, and work for, one another, and show what they are capable of.

There were brighter notes elsewhere. Brecon Athletic secured an emphatic bonus-point victory over Bridgend Athletic’s seconds, winning 29-10. Meanwhile, the Youth team came out on top in a high-scoring thriller at Llandaff, edging a 36-31 victory.