National Leagues Div 5 Cup 3rd Round – Sat Dec 6th, 2025
Bridgend Athletic Generals of Div 6 East Central pulled off the surprise of the National Leagues Div 5 Cup 3 rd Round tie by inflicting only the 2 nd defeat of the season on high flying Div 5 East Central Cardiff Met Athletic by 8pts to 0.
Playing on the A48 pitch in difficult conditions the Ath were full value for their win. The Met had first use of a very strong wind and for the first 20 mins it required an almighty defensive effort – mainly by the Ath pack to keep their line intact. A huge feature was the dominance of the Ath front row in the scrums with father and son props Wayne & Brandyn Fooks and hooker Keegan Thomas driving their opposite numbers back and winning scrum penalties to relieve the pressure.
Experienced locks Aled Pilliner and Luke Griffiths supported the front row and were carrying hard and tackling with purpose. As well as carrying hard the back row of captain Charlie Ashpole, Rhys Heard and Dan Osarigie were inspirational throughout the game. As the time went on the Ath were looking more comfortable and when half backs Harvey Tooze and Scott Govan released centres Tom Jenkins and newcomer Jonny Sutcliffe it took a deliberate knock on and yellow card, to prevent a potential scoring
pass reach wing Ethan Bevan.
In the final minutes of the half wing Rhys Hockings ran from halfway and a kick ahead saw the Met penalised just short of their line for holding on. The Ath took a tap pen and after a series of forward drives Dan Osarigie was held on the line and then with the final play Rhys Heard forced his way over for a 5-0 Generals lead.
It was now the Ath’s turn to benefit from wind advantage and outside half Scott Govan and full back Josh Carey took full advantage, to pin the Met inside their own half and attempt to run out of defence. They still had no joy in breaking the motivated Ath defence.
The Ath scrum was dominant winning penalties and keeping the students on the back foot. On the hour the Ath won a penalty 25 metres out converted by Scott Govan to extend the lead to 8-0. Two minutes later Govan hit he outside of the upright with another penalty attempt. Flanker Dan Osarigie caught a clearance kick 40 metres out and beat several defenders, before being tackled a few metres from the tryline.
From an Ath scrum penalty, the pack drove the students back towards their line. Osarigie picked up and dived over but lost the ball touching down. Govan then threw a long pass to wing Ethan Bevan who caught it and crossed in the corner – but the wind had drifted it slightly forward. The Ath brought on front row forwards prop Lewis Jones and Jack Obbard returning from injury, flanker Harry Griffiths and scrum half Aled Thomas to see out the game, for a thoroughly deserved Ath Generals win and progression to the Quarter final draw of the Div 5 Cup in only their second season in the National leagues.
It will be a memorable game fore Luke Griffiths & Keegan Thomas who made their 50 TH Ath appearances, well done to all the team and Liam and the Ath coaches for following a game plan suited to the conditions and using their physical attributes to win the day. Also, thanks to the committee members who set up the field and forked away surface water for the ref to allow the game to take place. Also, thanks to photographer Paul Harwood, for photographing a memorable Generals display.
The Ath faces another tough test this Saturday with a local derby Div 6 East Central league visit to Tondu Athletic who also progressed to the Div 5 Cup Quarter final stage. The Ath 1 st XV Championship Cup Quarter final v Treorchy was postponed with both the senior pitches waterlogged. It will be played this Saturday Dec 13 th on the 1 st XV pitch at Brynteg Comprehensive School k.o 2:30pm as part of an ongoing arrangement with Brynteg School.