For only the second time in the long history of the two clubs, Brecon hosted Neath in a competitive match, writes Ron Rowsell.

Despite a second-half surge, Brecon suffered a second defeat in as many games.

During the opening 30 minutes, the game was played almost exclusively in the Brecon half, with Neath dominating territory, possession and the game’s tempo.

Brecon’s defence worked hard, with hooker, Geraint Clarke putting in a number of big hits, and with scrum half, Geraint Workman covering well. For a time, Brecon held out the dominant and enterprising Neath. Then a mistake at a relieving try line drop out led to the first score from second row Matthew Davies, who had a simple run in for a try, which outside half Steffan Williams converted.

Brecon’s problems were almost immediately compounded when they failed to contain Neath off the kick-off. The visitors quickly re-established pressure in the Brecon half and scored their second try when lively scrum half, Rhodri Cole, broke through under the posts. Following the conversion, Brecon found themselves 14 points down after just 11 minutes play.

Things then went from bad to worse for Brecon when Neath took a 19-point lead following a try off a driving maul scored by second row, Jacob Blackmore.

In the last 10 minutes of the half, Brecon did mount something of a revival.

For the first time, Brecon entered the Neath half and exerted some pressure.

A catalyst for this change was the introduction of flanker, Osian Davies off the bench. On his last appearance in a Brecon on shirt before travelling to New Zealand, Osian showed all the traits he is known for. He was combative and abrasive at the breakdown, carried strongly and hit players back in the tackle. The rest of the team responded to his lead and Brecon suddenly looked as if they could match their opponents. Chad Davies had a number of good runs on the wing and outside half, Jake Newman made a good break only to have the ball knocked out of his grasp with the line in sight.

The improvement continued into the second half. Now with the breeze at their backs Brecon’s kicking game suddenly improved. Newman gained ground from two 50/22 kicks. Suddenly Neath were forced into defensive mode and Brecon deservedly reduced the arrears with a team try which featured a great individual finish. Brecon’s scrum won a penalty on half way. Off a line-out Brecon moved the ball left. Right-wing Ryan Davies took the ball in midfield and looked for an outside break but was just put to the ground, but not held. In one movement he released the ball, regained his feet and picked up to drive through the final cover and score a try, which Newman converted.

The game was now completely turned on its head as Brecon dominated play in the Neath half and soon Davies collected his second try. A Jack Dixon pass gave Ryan an opportunity which he took clinically. The wide Newman conversion just failed but Brecon were now just one score adrift and in the ascendancy with time on their side, but it wasn’t to be.

A combination of some determined and effective Neath defence, and small errors, prevented Brecon from finally closing the gap. 

Brecon were left with a second losing bonus point from a second defeat and a record they must reverse at Cross Keys next Saturday.

On the positive side, the Athletic opened their first ever National League season with an excellent bonus point win at St Peters, emerging as victors in a tight 25-24 game.