With the weather closing in it is likely to be a tense, and torrid, forward orientated affair – just how Brynmawr skipper Damien Hudd likes. The 36-year-old lock was supposed to ride off into the sunset in a blaze of glory when he left Ebbw Vale last season, but you just can’t keep a good man down.
He has inspired his new team mates in much the same way as he did with the Steelmen and they will go into the top of the table clash with Brecon with every chance of stemming a run of three successive defeats against them.
“I always wanted to go back to my village club and give something back to where it all started for me. I’ve really enjoyed it and been really impressed at the quality of the players in the Brynmawr squad,” said Hudd.
“Brynmawr is renowned for producing strong packs, but it has been out backs who have been on fire this season. We’ve got a number of players with Premiership and Championship experience and there are a number of others who could reach that level.
“This is the lifeblood of the game in Wales and it has been great for me to come home and see the club in such good shape. We’ve got about 16 players in the senior squad who have come through the youth team and live in and around the village.
“I just want to play for as long as I can and get some coaching under my belt as well. So far, so good, on that score and Gavin Knapp and Gareth Betts are doing a great job on the coaching side and Gavin is also playing in the back row as well.
“This game against Brecon is going to be a big one and it will be great for the lads having the TV cameras there. We’re both unbeaten, so there will be a lot at stake.”
Both clubs made it a maximum 20 points from their first four outings with victories last weekend. The Mawr dug deep to win 37-27 at Risca, while Brecon ran in 10 tries in a 66-6 home triumph over Ynysybwl.
Wing Richard Jones helped himself to a hat-trick, there were two more from fellow wing Jake Crockett and Eifion Jones, Ewan Williams , Adam Hoskins, Mark Squirrell and Richie Elliott grabbed the others. Dean Gunter converted eight of them.
Brecon have scored 29 tries and 190 points in their four games to date, while Brynmawr have picked up 22 tries and 149 points. Poor old Ynysybwl have had to play the two top teams back-to-back and have conceded 17 tries and 118 points.
As far as Brynmawr are concerned, their stunning 52-17 victory at Ynysybwl was ample revenge for losing by 75-7 a year earlier. That performance proved the young side being nurtured by Gavin Knapp is heading in the right direction.
Brynmawr: Geraint Langdon; Ryan Gardner, Nathan Preece, Joel Amphlett, Josh Congreve; Dan Butler, Davie Croft; Tomas Tippa, Dan Wall, Ellis Evans, Damien Hudd (captain), Luke Rees, Gavin Knapp, Nathan Jones, Craig Fillier
Reps: Ricky Jones, Darren Morgan, Adam Lane, Dan Croft, Ieuan Werrett
Brecon: Joe Evans; Lucas Jones, Cameron Gardner, Eifion Jones, Jake Crockett; Dean Gunter, Deri Williams; Ryan Harris, Jonny Bowen, Andy Nicholl, Darren Witcomb, Mark Squirrell, Dafydd Thomas, Ioan Edwards, Ewan Williams (captain)
Reps: Kevin Jones, Elgan Lewis, Andrew Hosie, Tom Daley, Richie Elliott
