WRU DIV 5 Cup – 1st Round – Sept 27th, 2025
Bridgend Athletic Generals made the most of ideal running rugby conditions to nullify an anticipated Penallta physical approach and move to the 2nd Round of the WRU Div 5 Cup with a deserved 32 (4t) 12(2t) victory at Newbridge Fields. All 4 tries came from backs – wing Rhys Hyde with a double and replacement wings George Tellem and Rhys Hockings. Returning outside half Scott Govan weighed in with a conversion and 2 penalties, while player coach Aled Thomas added another 2 conversions.
The first try took 20 minutes before the Ath packs forward dominance and a series of rucks, saw the ball moved wide for wing Rhys Hyde to step inside his opponent and use his speed to round others and cross under the posts to give Scott Govan an easy conversion. There was no more scoring in the half which saw lock Lewis Jones yellow carded for hands in the ruck.
Scott Govan slotted a penalty, before Ethan Bevan made a break and was held 1just short of the try line. Quick thinking by George Tellem saw him pick up from the ruck and snipe down the blindside for a try in the corner to give the Ath a 15-0 lead.
After repelling several 5-metre line out drives Penallta finally succeeded with a converted try to reduce the deficit to 15-7.
The game was now opening with half backs Harvey Tooze and Govan setting the Ath backline in motion, and one move was finished by Rhys Hyde racing over for a Govan converted try – 22-7 to the Ath. A Penallta player infringed and was shown a yellow card, with Govan succeeding with the resultant penalty. – 25-7.
The final Ath score when during a period of open play replacement wing Rhys Hoskingsdid well to hold onto a poor pass and race 30 metres for the Ath’s fourth try converted by Aled Thomas.
A series of Ath conceding penalties resulted in a late consolation try for Penallta. Final score Ath Generals 32 Penallta Athletic 12.
The Ath scrum was well led by captain Wayne Fooks and Archie Brent & Keegan Thomas. Locks Lewis Jones and particularly regular Luke Griffiths gave the team great front foot possession with Griffiths ruling the line outs.
The back row played well with Dan Osarigie, Jack Lewis and Mike Gillette on his return from a spell in Australia carrying prominently.
Half backs Tooze and Govan distribution allowed centres Aled Thomas and Cam Hicks to move the ball wide where the back three of Rhys Hyde, Oli Rayner and Ethan Bevan showed some good running skills.
The game was watched in its final stages by the Ath 1st XV having won their own cup game cheering on an Ath Cup double. Thanks to photographer Paul Harwood for also covering part of both games.