News

The Athletic U16’S reaching the semi final of the Ospreys’s Cup highlighted another successful weekend for the Athletic Mini & Junior section, with the minis able to mostly field at least two sides in each age group.

U7. The first game after the Christmas lay off saw the under 7’s on a trip up the valley to play Nantymoel.

With a great turn out in the cold conditions the Ath put out two teams with subs and carried on from where they left off before Christmas with some great tries on display. Lots of determination on display in defence also.

This week ‘Player of Week’ was Theo Williams who showed some excellent agility to score some fantastic solo and team tries.

U8. Bridgend Athletic U8s took two teams to Pontypridd. Three games in total were played on the 4G pitch at Sardis Road against Pontypridd Aberdare & St Albans.

Strong direct running shown by Sam Francis & Billy Creed with Zavier Gardener, Charlie Tune & Callum Brown linking up well and moving the ball wide in attack. Next up the U8s host Aberavon Greenstars at Newbridge Fields.

U10.Bridgend Athletic U10s hosted Bryncoch at Newbridge Fields. This was the first meeting between the two teams. The game started slowly with both sides making errors; however, it didn’t take the Ath long to get into their rhythm. Due to the Ath having a squad of 24 players available the whole team was changed at half time giving all players the same amount of game time. The Ath outscored Bryncoch 7 tries to 2, try scorers were Osian Kenny, Rory Whyte, Billy Evans, Regan Henly, Rudi Quinn, Ethan Davies & Dylan Hopkins. Big well done to Artin Navidi on his Bridgend Athletic debut. Final Score: Bridgend Athletic 35-10 Bryncoch

U11. The 11’s travelled to Nantymoel this week with good numbers again. The first half was difficult for both sides with tough conditions under foot forcing a number of unforced errors for both teams. A scrappy first half saw the ATH with a slender 5 points to nil lead at the break.

The coaches’ words were certainly taken on board at half time with the Ath tearing the opposition apart in the 2nd half, playing the basics faultlessly and easing away with what was an impressive performance. Albert who brought aggression and dominated possession within the forwards, earned himself Man of the Match. Final score Nantymoel 5 - 55 Ath.

Ath try scorers: Oliver Williams (3), Theo (2), Jackson (2) & single touchdowns for Evan, Chaitu, Harry and Rhys.

U15. Llandaff away today, a first for the Ath U15s. Good turnout for an away game. Bit of a muddy pitch – well quite a bit in truth, but no issue for the Ath as they faced uphill and kicked off.

It was all about trying to gain ground for 10 minutes with Llandaff having the better of the territory but the Ath tackling well to keep their line intact. Eventually it was Llandaff who opened the scoring with a try in the corner after several pick and goes.

It wasn’t long before Llandaff doubled their lead with a try down the opposite wing, started in their 22, although the team will be disappointed that their runner beat several would-be tacklers for the score. At this stage there would have been concerns that we could come unstuck here, but McKenzie saw an opportunity as they tried to shift the muddy ball across the line and intercepted to score a converted try. It was an attritional game and evenly matched, so it was disappointing when Llandaff sneaked in for a third try down the wing to lead 15-7 at half time.

There was no further scoring  in the second half as both teams slogged it out on the muddy pitch, both tackling well but finding it hard work to make any forward progress

U16. The Ath 16's lost out to Trebanos in the Semi-final of the Ospreys Cup at under 15's so when the draw pitched the same sides together at the Quarter final stage the players wanted to settle the score. 

The Athletic pack paved the way holding out an aggressive driving maul from the Trebanos 8, allowing the Athletic backs to counterattack from distance. A hat trick from Gus Patterson and a single touchdown from Tom Clarke, with 2 Evan Beach conversions saw the Athletic exact full revenge with a 26-0 victory.

From the off the Ath were under pressure but defended superbly and kept Trebanos out on numerous occasions from crossing their line and counter attacking at every occasion resulting in Gus Patterson touching down first and Evan Beach converting. With the Ath on the wrong side of many referee decisions most of the time the Ath showed great maturity to stick to the game plan with the halftime score 0-7.

The Ath picked up the tempo and physicality in the second half with the forwards carrying well and making good yards. More impressive was the way the Ath pack defended the Trebanos driving maul stopping it every time. With a great team effort and turn over balls the Ath were relentless in their counter attacks and from their own 22 the Ath released their backs running in 3 tries through Tom Clarke and Gus Patterson 2 completing his hattrick and Evan Beach converting 2. With lots of decisions going against the Ath and Trebanos kicking for the corner for the driving lineout, the Ath defended heroically keeping Trebanos out. Final score Trebanos 0 - 26 Bridgend Athletic.

The Ath coaches were very pleased with the team’s heroic defence and fantastic decision-making way beyond their age, and their determined attitude and commitment on the day.