Brecon’s first home league match of 2025 was lost to the recent cold snap, and with freezing conditions persisting, hopes of playing this weekend seemed slim. Had the game been scheduled at Brecon’s Parc de Pugh, it would undoubtedly have been canceled. Against all odds, however, the fixture went ahead at Neath’s iconic Gnoll ground, where perfect conditions for rugby greeted the players and a large, enthusiastic group of traveling Brecon supporters.

This clash marked the third meeting between the teams this season, with one win apiece in previous encounters. Given Neath’s home advantage and their impressive form - winning nine of their last 10 league matches - the odds were stacked in their favor. Early on, it seemed they would live up to their billing as favourites. Dominating possession and territory, Neath pressed Brecon back, with the visitors struggling at the scrum and scrambling to defend.

It took 10 minutes for Neath to break through. After Brecon conceded a penalty near their 22, Neath scrum-half Rhodri Cole showed quick thinking, tapping and running unopposed to score under the posts. Steff Williams converted, and with Neath in control, more scores seemed inevitable.

However, Brecon’s response was resolute. After a shaky start, their pack found its footing. The front row of Aneurin Rees, Geraint Clarke, Chris Philipps, and Owen Ford battled hard to stabilise the scrum, while the line-out became a stronghold, with Callum Bradbury, Alwyn Lee, Ioan Edwards and Matthew Williams shining. The back row - Edwards, Williams, and the ever-present Kristian Dacey - worked tirelessly at the breakdown, turning over possession and winning crucial penalties.

A pivotal moment came midway through the first half when Neath, looking to extend their lead, kicked a penalty to touch inside Brecon’s five-metre line. The home side’s maul was met with ferocious resistance, and Brecon not only repelled the attack but won a relieving penalty, giving themselves a psychological boost.

As Brecon grew into the game, their backs began to shine. Chad Davies and Tom Richards made several incisive runs, and just before halftime, Brecon’s persistence paid off. Despite Dacey being sin-binned for a high tackle, Brecon turned defence into attack. Davies sparked a thrilling counter, carrying deep into Neath’s territory. From a resulting penalty and line-out, Tomos Davies cut a perfect line to crash over for a try, with James Dixon’s conversion leveling the score at 7-7 as the teams headed into the break.

The second half saw Brecon take control. Their forwards set the tone with a dominant maul from a line-out, driving deep into Neath territory. Owen Ford powered over for a try, and Dixon’s conversion gave Brecon a seven-point lead. Sensing a possible upset, Brecon maintained their intensity. Sam Jones then capitalised on loose ball after a superb aerial contest by Chad Davies, touching down to extend the lead to 21-7.

Facing a 14-point deficit, Neath launched a spirited fightback. Steff Williams’ pinpoint cross-field kick found Rhodri Wall, who scored out wisd. Williams added a difficult conversion, cutting Brecon’s lead to seven points. The home side, roared on by their supporters, threw everything at Brecon in the closing stages.

With just two minutes remaining, Neath launched one final attack. Kian Jones’ looping pass found players in space, and wing Ellis Lewis, ran in for the try. Williams, calm under pressure, slotted the wide-angle conversion to level the game at 21-21.

At the final whistle, emotions were mixed. Neath were relieved to have avoided defeat but disappointed at missing the chance to top the Premiership table. Brecon, proud of their effort and resilience, were left to rue the missed opportunity for a historic victory at the Gnoll.