Page 4 - Brecon RFC News Summer 2017

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Season goal achieved but still some frustration for coaches. Martin Keylock reviews 2016/17...
BRECON RFC
FIRST XV REPORT
As we reflect on the 2016/17 season, the professional game moves on at a rapid pace. At local level the Brecon senior teams have had some significant movement with both Eugene and Richard, vastly experienced coaches, moving on to pastures new. From a personal front, I wish them well. Their commitment and passion for the game is a great loss to this club.
Whilst the objective to finish in the top five was met, it was a frustrating fifth place rather than a disappointing one. There were a number of key games and moments in the season that affected the momentum and confidence of the team and a few lessons, I hope, were learned. The loss at Senghenyydd at the start of the season was particularly frustrating. After taking the lead we lost our captain to injury and ended up losing the game. Whilst the open play and control shown during that game for 35 minutes was very positive, it also underlined, rather bluntly, that whilst our talisman captain offers so much on the field, the game of Rugby requires a team of players. Lesson One! The loss to Risca away was again under control, until the heavens opened and 'wet weather' rugby ensued. The home full back kicked nine penalties which emphatically underlined the need for all round discipline on the park and a better control at the set piece. Whilst unable to influence the weather, we did recognise that our forward pack’s physical dimensions would make set piece a se- rious challenge for the rest of the season. The drubbing that Penallta inflicted over this young team, over two weekends back to back in both league and cup action, left us at somewhat of a crossroads signposted 'give in' or 'dig in'.
Around the turn of the year, we had set the first team a significant challenge, to remain unbeaten at home for the remainder of the season. During the following five months, I believe we witnessed some of the greatest tries scored for many a year at Parc Dr Pugh. The 'dig in' road had certainly been taken and the team strung together a brace of hat-trick wins and a fantastic win in the latter rounds of the Mid District Cup. The season ended with seven out of eight wins won at home and a great display in the cup final against Championship team Bedlinog. Our lack of bulk across the board was certainly made up for by size of character, with the old saying, “It's not the size of the dog in the fight, it's the fight in the dog,” ringing loudly. I remember an old coach at Brecon once saying, “Winning is not everything in rugby, it's the ONLY thing,” and for 80 minutes on a Saturday, the desire that this team has to win and give their all is a fantastic platform to work off.
The 2017/18 season brings huge excitement with Andy Powell taking the helm. I am looking forward to working alongside this Welsh capped British and Irish Lion. His positivity from the side line really lifted the team at the latter end of last year and hopefully that will continue to develop during the season to come. The game is often won on the training field and this coming year could; if we all work hard, support and encourage one another; produce a team and a season of which we are truly proud.
Butch Keylock Coach, BRFC.