Page 5 - Brecon RFC News Summer 2017

Slow start to the season made things difficult for Second XV’s League ambitions. Lyn Parry highlights the true value of a Second XV...
BRECON RFC
SECOND XV REPORT
Last year the Second XV played 17 games winning 10 and losing 7. After a poor start to our league campaign, losing our first 3 games, it was always going to be a battle to gain any success in this competition. Things did improve after early loses but with teams unwilling to travel to Brecon to fulfil fixtures we eventually finished in fifth position but we were only one win away from second place.
We were involved in three local derbies at Second XV level and we managed to come out on top in all three matches and win local bragging rights by beating Gwernyfed, Builth and Crickhowell. The Ivor Williams Cup competition did prove to be a success for the Second XV last season where we put together a successful run that resulted in us reaching the final. Along the way we beat Premier A teams Beddau away, Dowlais at home and probably our best performance of the season was against Ystrad Rhondda away in the semi final.
In a hard fought final against a very good Penallta team Brecon started well and held an early lead but eventually lost 22 - 12.
Our Second XV Awards for the season were presented at the Ball to the following,
Most Promising - Owain Williams. Players Player - Phil Saunders. Player of the year - Gary Cole. Next season we have again been placed into Division B of the Rhondda & East Glamorgan League where again it promises to be a tough season and also provides two mouth-watering matches against local rivals Builth Wells.
The aim for the season would be to continue to fulfil all our fixtures and be pushing for both league and cup titles. Most important for us will be getting off to a good start, unlike last season, as momentum is vitally important in Second team rugby. An increase in numbers of player regularly in pre-season training would also be beneficial in gaining success and to ensure both senior sides are playing the same game structure.
Players earning the right to be called into the First XV squad would also be a marker of success for us in the Second XV and I am confident that there are numerous players capable of this with just a little bit of hard work.
I am hopeful of a strong working relationship with the newly established First XV coaching team of Andy Powell and Martin Keylock and am delighted to hear that there will be a flow of players both ways this season with those not involved with the 1st XV match day squad being available for the Second XV. This will provide experience and greater strength in the squad for us as we look to develop players coming into the Second XV from Youth rugby and push for further success on the field.
Let us hope all these things come together as I am sure that this could yet be the most successful season the Second XV.
Lyn Parry Second XV Team Manager
for all the up to date news go to
www.breconrfc.co.uk
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