News

On a hot sunny Wednesday April 18^th at the Principality Stadium Brynteg Comprehensive School overcame a 3-0 half time deficit to win the Spirit of Youth Schools Cup Final overcoming Preseli by 19 points to 10. Captained by Bridgend Athletic centre Joe Patterson Ath youth prop forward Chris Crumpton scored the first Brynteg try, with Orun Harry adding a brace. Athletic youth half back Matthew Hobby slotted two conversions. In all 9 Ath Youth players started the game alongside Patterson, Hobby and Crumpton. Others were Tom Zielinski, Jack Obbard, Tom Davies, Danny Osarigie, Kasari Mehta and Cameron Lewis.  Ben Owen came off the bench, while Finlay Mullens, Harry Ridge & Connor Fabian were unused replacements. Dan O’Sullivan was unlucky to miss out carrying an injury from the semi-final win.

Great credit must go to the Brynteg coaches Mr Adam Rosser and Mr Joe Gatt, while Lee Grabham, Kevin Gamble, Keith Hobby, Paul Obbard & Mike Groom have also provided additional help in coaching the large Brynteg contingent of Athletic players under their tutelage.

Brynteg have developed more British Lions & Welsh Senior Internationals than any school in Wales. Their 8 British Lions include Jack Matthews, JPR Williams, Gareth Williams, Mike Hall, Rob Howley, Dafydd James, Gavin Henson & Rhys Webb. Among the 19 Welsh Internationals current Ath senior coaching assistant Gerald Williams features. Since the commencement of the Athletic Mini & Junior Section in 1992 current Welsh Internationals Rhys Webb, Scott Baldwin & Josh Navidi have played at both Brynteg and The Athletic M&J and youth set ups.

There is also a great bond between the legendary Jack Matthews and Brynteg & the Athletic. Former Brynteg pupil Dr Jack was born at the current Athletic clubhouse in Ewenny Road Bridgend. He officially opened the BARFC Clubhouse in 1982 and a plaque stands where Dr Jack’s room as a baby and later Brynteg pupil once stood. Perhaps it was then fated such a link would be forged with  Brynteg & the Athletic developing many current excellent rugby players. Brynteg are always welcome and have regularly used the Ath facilities to host touring sides playing against them.

Adrian Burt