Brecon RFC marked a historic day at Parc De Pugh, not only securing a memorable victory over Pontypridd but also paying tribute to club legend Phil Hoggarth, who passed away earlier in the week.

Hoggarth, a long-serving former player, captain, committee man, sponsorship secretary and lifelong member and supporter, was honoured before the match, adding emotional weight to an already significant game.

Pontypridd, sitting at the top of the Premiership table, made their first-ever competitive visit to Brecon, bringing a large contingent of supporters. Despite a 43-11 loss to Pontypridd earlier in the season, Brecon entered the match with renewed confidence, having won four of their last five games, while Ponty’s momentum had stalled with two recent defeats.

Brecon got off to a strong start, taking an early lead. With the wind at their backs in the first half, they made the most of their advantage, going into the break with a 22-12 lead. The second half, however, presented a different challenge, as Brecon faced the blustery conditions and a determined Pontypridd side.

Brecon's resilience shone through as they extended their lead to 36-17 with just ten minutes remaining, but Pontypridd mounted a late comeback, scoring two tries in quick succession, one of which was converted, to claim both a losing bonus point and a try-scoring bonus point.

While Ponty’s late surge made the final scoreline closer, the day belonged to Brecon, who celebrated the victory and their unity as a team. Brecon’s Head Coach, Dale McIntosh, praised the squad for their mental and physical growth over the season, and the coaching team of Gavin Dacey, Owen Sheppeard and Darran Harris.

The game began with Brecon asserting themselves, making the most of their early dominance and seemingly unbothered by the reputation of their opponents. Following a period of pressure in which Callum Bradbury and Chris Phillips broke the gain line, they set up an effective maul close to the Ponty line. As the maul drove forward, Logan McIntosh broke and scored, with James Dixon converting.

This was followed quickly by another score which came through Lewis Jones’ interception.

Pontypridd responded with a converted try from winger Joe Davies, who broke through an attempted tackle to cross under the posts.

But Brecon hit back with what was probably the try of the game. On half-way, Aneurin James carried well and a blindside pass put Sam Jones away on the right. He stepped inside the Ponty cover and scored beneath the posts.

Ponty hit back again, with Keiran Parker crossing for a try, before Brecon conceded a yellow card, but extended their lead to 10 points through Dixon’s long-range penalty.

In the second half, despite facing both the wind and a man down, Brecon continued to dominate, with captain and second row Alwyn Lee crashing over for a try. Again, Ponty hit back with a try of their own from hooker Rob Jones.

The critical try came with 70 minutes played when Chris Phillips crashed over, with Dixon adding the conversion.

Pontypridd fought valiantly, with Joe Davies and Garyn Smith scoring late on, but it wasn’t enough to deny Brecon their historic win.

Pontypridd now turn their focus to the upcoming Premiership Cup Final against Cross Keys, while Brecon travel to Narberth in their next league encounter.