News

Bridgend Athletic moved to 3^rd place in Division 1 East Central with a 6 tries to nil 45-9 victory over Llantrisant at Newbridge Fields. It was a black day for the Black Army. This was their heaviest defeat of the season and the 36-point differential was the highest winning margin in the league this season. Athletic prop Matthew Norman in his 100^th 1^ST XV appearance for the Athletic was given the honour of leading out his side.

The game was a complete role reversal for the Athletics’ humiliating Nov 24^th 32-8 defeat at Llantrisant. That was a defining day for both sides. The Athletic were staring relegation in the face having won only 3 of their first 9 games after the WRU moved them from Div 1 West Central to Div 1 East Central. Coaches John Apsee, Stuart Morris, David Williams and Gerald Williams made a tweak to the Athletic playing style and converted speedy youngsters from back row positions to key back positions to shore up a leaky defence. Since then the Athletic have won 8 of their following 9 league games while it is now Llantrisant looking likely relegation candidates.

Llantrisant elected to have first use of a stiff breeze advantage. As in the previous game at Cambrian Athletic outside half Luke Bevan put in a perfect high floating kick off. Flanker Sean Williams tapped back to Norman who fed scrum half Aled Thomas. Thomas kicked into the Llan 22 where pressure forced an Athletic penalty. Bevan converted the penalty to make it déjà vu for the second game running with a first minute lead.

Llantrisant then pressurised the Athletic and two penalties from their outside half Morgan Raison gave the visitors a 6-3 lead. Llantrisant were looking to use their speedy backs as they did to good effect in the home game. However, with stalwart centre Tom Jenkins marshalling the defence they were up against a different animal this time. The Athletic after starting slowly were now coming into the game with the front row of youngster Morgan Clemett alongside experienced Nathan Holman and Norman were putting pressure on the Llan scrum. When the Athletic were awarded a penalty 20 metres out quick thinking scrum half Aled Thomas tapped and outsprinted the Llan defence to cross for his 3^rd try of the season. Bevan’s conversion gave his side a 10-6 lead. From the restart wing Will Barraclough gathered and broke the first line of defence. Brilliant inter passing between flankers Sean Williams and Ben Howe saw Thomas held just short of the try line. Quick recycling via lock Jonathon Stoker and Howe saw lock Ben Cording cross in the corner for his third try of the season. Bevan’s touchline conversion gave the Athletic a 17-6 lead. Raison’s third penalty reduced his side’s half time deficit to 17-9.

Against the wind Llan were trying to run from deep. Superb Athletic defence pressurised Llan into dropping the ball. Ace predator wing Barraclough hacked the ball on and easily won the race to cross wide out. Minutes later wing Owain Leyshon’s tackle released the ball and Barraclough was on hand to pick up and show a clean pair of heels for his second match try and fifth of the season. Bevan converted both the Barraclough tries and the youngster also brought up his 300^th Athletic point.

The Athletic brought on a new front row of Wayne Fooks, Lee Murphy and Matthew Muir fresh from his holiday in Iceland, and continued their scrum dominance against a heavier pack. Lock Will Petchell and scrum half Dan James also joined the fray.

Llan persisted with trying to run out of defence only to see young centre Tom Davies fresh from his BCOW debut intercept for his 4^th try of the season. Athletic full back Sam Richards who had a sound game in defence and attack set up field position with a sidestepping run into the Llan 22. The forwards embarked on a pick and go exercise with Fooks, Petchell, Ben Davies, Muir and scrum half Dan James all held just short of the line before captain flanker Ben Howe aided by Sean Williams drove over for his 8^th try of the season. This was the only forward try in 12 over the two games between the teams. Bevan made it a perfect 6 out of 6 conversions to wrap up an impressive 45-9 Athletic win.

Coach Gerald Williams praised MOM Ben Cording for consecutive games,but was also delighted with the displays of prop Morgan Clemett, full back Sam Richards and outside half Luke Bevan who for various reasons – mainly injury have been missing from the Athletic starting line-up for some time. He also singled out centre Tom Jenkins making his 50^th 1^ST XV appearance for marshalling the young back line in attack and defence.

The Athletic next play on February 23^rd when they visit 2^nd placed Rhiwbina, before returning to Newbridge Fields on the 30^th March to host St Josephs

The club are grateful to Match Sponsor Mr Richard Dyke of R & M Dyke (Civil Engineering) Ltd for his continued support for BARFC.