Page 13 - Brecon 1st XV v Ystalyfera

“Having made that decision, we have been fortunate to be able to recruit a few players who have experienced rugby at a higher level. Osian Davies has rejoined his home club after a long, successful run with Premiership Club, Merthyr, and Kristian Dacey, (brother
of Backs Coach, Gavin) following his regional retirement, after a successful career as a member of Cardiff Blues, is looking forward to add his considerable experience.”
When asked how preparations for the new season has progressed, Dale was positive but with a few notes of caution. “Players are buying into the rigorous regime. Training has gone well. Numbers are good and it is pleasing to see a smattering of last season’s youth team stepping up into the senior ranks.
Our pre-season plan was to give everyone the opportunity to challenge for places at the start of the season and to be involved in contrasting experiences in our two warm up matches against Marlborough and Newport respectively. In the latter we perhaps learned more about ourselves in the defeat to a very well organised Premiership side than we did in the victory at Marlborough.
For the first thirty-five minutes we were better than them but then we failed to maintain our intensity and we cannot afford to do that against a teams of that quality.
What we needed, when we lost two influential players, was unity and strong voices and we were found lacking. We are all in this together and we are all learning. We must aim for a high level of pace and intensity for the full eighty minutes.
Throughout the coming campaign we have
to make the most of our time on the training ground so that we can continue to consistently up the pace, maintain the intensity, and improve. We also need to respect our opponents but if we can do this, then I believe that we can be genuine Championship West title contenders. That is particularly important this season as there is likely to be a change in the league structure, with the possibility of five promotion places to a new Premiership.
We are perhaps fortunate to be in the right place at the right time, so we must commit
as never before if we are to embrace this, once in a generation opportunity. Together we can advance.
Onwards and upwards must be our rallying call throughout the season...
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