Brecon’s debut season in the WRU Premiership ended with defeat to Merthyr at Parc de Pugh.

Despite being depleted by injuries and facing the league leaders, Brecon showed great spirit, but were ultimately undone by Merthyr’s clinical play.

Merthyr, needing a bonus-point win to secure the Premiership title, arrived as strong favourites. Having already beaten Brecon 47-37 earlier in the season, the visitors were in prime position to claim the championship with a victory. For Brecon, the match was made even more challenging by a string of injuries and late withdrawals, including influential second row Callum Bradbury and Tom Offa, leaving the side with a makeshift lineup.

The match began with both teams evenly matched, but it was Merthyr who struck first. A charged-down kick led to a breakaway try in the corner. Their second try came after Brecon responded well, with a well-executed try by wing Sam Jones. After strong forward play, scrum-half Lewis Jones fed the ball to Sam Jones, who sliced through the Merthyr defence to score. Jack Dixon added the conversion, giving Brecon a brief 7-5 lead.

However, Merthyr regained the lead almost immediately when Brecon were penalised for crossing in their own half. A line-out and forward drive set up Merthyr’s second try.

Brecon fought back again through a long-range penalty by Dixon after Merthyr were penalised near halfway.

Brecon’s challenges mounted when centre Tomos Davies was forced off with an injury, followed by scrum-half Lewis Jones being shown a yellow card for an off-the-ball tackle. With Brecon down to 14 men, Merthyr took full advantage. A kick to the corner set up a forward drive for another converted try, pushing Merthyr’s lead to 22-10 at halftime.

The second half began with Brecon still a man down, and Merthyr quickly capitalised. A loose kick from Brecon allowed Merthyr to counter with pace and Brecon’s defence was outflanked. Another second try followed almost immediately. Brecon were penalised and Merthyr took a quick tap to open the Brecon defence and score a converted try.

Brecon, however, refused to give up. When Lewis Jones returned to the field, his quick thinking led to a try. A turnover by Jack Griffiths set up the opportunity, and Jones took a quick tap to dart through the defence, scoring under the posts. Dixon coverted.

Merthyr, however, continued to apply pressure and added to their tally with a quick try down the left wing.

Brecon showed their resilience, with captain Ioan Edwards driving forward, but missed opportunities, including a pass that failed to reach hooker Aneurin James, kept them from closing the gap.

Despite the mounting pressure, Brecon earned a deserved third try. Sam Jones, with his 20th try of the season, broke through the defence to score. Dixon’s conversion took his personal points tally to 184 for the season.

Merthyr sealed the game with a final try in the closing moments, but Brecon’s efforts were commendable. The match also marked the end of Brecon coach Dale McIntosh’s three-year contract. Under his leadership alongside co-coaches Gavin Dacey and Owen Sheppeard, Brecon had achieved two successive promotions, first from Division 1 East to Championship West, and then to the Premiership.

Brecon RFC are indebted to Dale and his coaching team for their efforts on behalf the team, members and supporters.