DIVISION ONE EAST

BRECON ....................... 16 DOWLAIS ....................... 6

THIS was a tough encounter in the mud of Parc De Pugh, which ended up in a forward battle, and credit to both teams for playing in such dreadful conditions.

League leaders Brecon showed why they are top but Dowlais, playing their first game since December 16, took them all the way and defended with tremendous courage.

Brecon were gifted 16 points, some shoddy defence allowed wing Jack Crockett to cross in the corner which proved to be the only try of the match, converted by Lewis Evans, who also landed three penalties, needlessly given away by Dowlais.

Dowlais lost three players to injury during the first half – Nathan Pritchard (broken nose), captain Dan Snape (ankle) and Dai Kelly (pullled muscle), so it was a reorganised team for the second half.

The only score for Dowlais was two penalties by Steve James.

Brecon were unable to add to their score in the second half against a strong and determined defence, well led by Adam Cullen and with great support from all the team young Kyle Prosser did his job well as a replacement with some hard tackling.

In the end Dowlais could not break a resolute home defence, without those three silly penalties, Dowlais could have been chasing a win against the league leaders, so the nine points proved the difference between the sides.

Dowlais entertain Abertillery on Saturday, KO 2.30pm.