Following a difficult but successful inaugural season 1972-73 like the success of the Welsh Rugby Team of the 70’s the Athletic built on that first year.
Funding a new team and set up with jerseys, transport, and laundry etc was as nowadays a great problem especially with no benefactors or sponsors. The players paid match fees every game and transport costs where relevant. There was a tremendous player effort to raise funds. Bridgend Rugby Club generously allowed the Ath to use their clubhouse facilities and the Brewery Field to put-on fund-raising events.
The club put on regular discos and shows to raise money. Jazz Bands were big in those days and the club arranged annual Jazz Band contests from bands around South Wales where the bands marched through Bridgend to a contest on the Brewery Field. There the players also set up many fairground type stalls and worked from 7am to 10pm to stage the major fund-raising event. These events were well supported. Keith Ashong and Dai Dobbs from Bridgend RFC assisted in the promotion of some of the comic shows. These discos and shows continued when the club moved to the Wexa. One such memorable comic show was a Phil Rees scripted version of Allo Allo. Many players took part in the shows and had their own cabaret spots.
For transport players shared the few cars available those days and even used works vans with chairs in the back to get to and from fixtures. When on rare occasions buses were hired the players contributed to the hire cost. The first set of club jerseys cost around £84.
By 1974 the team had built a successful committee structure and were attracting enough players to commence a 2nd XV in season 1974-75.
The committee with Jeff Jenkins as Chairman and Clive Easterbrook his Vice Chairman and Fixture Secretary mainly comprised players Treasurer Phil Rees, Brian Lewis, Secretary Mike Rennie, Medical Officer Owen Laidlaw, Gareth Jones, Ian McArthur, Match Secretary Ken Richards, Lyndon Young & Barrry Morgan. The following season saw Peter Woods & David Davison come on board and David Perry who became Treasurer in 1975-76, while in 1976-77 Stephen Preece joined. Peter Wood also became long term President from season 1975-66.
In season 1976-77 the 1ST XV had arranged 40 fixtures among them local sides Glyncorrwg, Ogmore Vale, Heol Y Cyw, Bryncethyin, South Wales Police Athletic, & S.C.O.W, while down West Neath Athletic, Llanelli Athletic, BP Llandarcy and Trinity College Carmarthen and East to Pontypool Utd, Cardiff College, Usk & Caerleon. Captains between 1973-77 were 73-74 Mike Webb, 74-75 Joint Jeff Pope & Phil Rees, 75-76 Adrian Bevan, 76-77 and 77-78 Brian Lewis.
In season 1975-76 the Ath reached the final of the Enoch Lewis Mid District Cup losing 23-11 to Glyncorrwg at Pyle.
The 2nd XV in their inaugural 1994-95 season played their counterparts from local sides Maesteg Harlequins, Blaengarw, Bryncethin, Nantyfyllon & Pencoed while further afield included Barry, Caerleon and Fairwater. Youngster John Boon was the first ever 2ND XV captain, while experienced Lyndon Young took over in 75-76 and Alan Harris in 76-77.
By season 1976-77 the club identified with local youngsters playing rugby alongside their training area in Bryntirion. With the request of one of the youngsters Terry Pemberton the idea was hatched to incorporate a Youth side into the Athletic set up. Terry captained the team that first season.
Clive Easterbrook had assumed the early years coaching of the Athletic senior teams. In 1976 prop Barrie Jones a well- qualified coach joined as a player coach and later assumed a head coach role over the senior and youth sides, with a local referee David Davison appointed as Youth Team Manager.
After a few seasons playing on Newbridge Fields the council decided to lay a sewerage pipe through the pitch BARFC were allocated and without offering an alternative the club became like Nomads for two seasons playing wherever they could Bryntirion, Ogmore Camp, Brynteg School, Heol Y Gam. Sometimes the Brewery Field.
Similarly, after 3 years sharing the Brewery Field as a social outlet Bridgend suggested the Athletic branch out on their own. They spent a year using the Cambrian Pub (now The Roof) before John Goss invited them to use the Wexa which is now the BARFC Clubhouse. That will be covered in future history 1977-80.
Player Profiles of additional players between 1973-77 to those covered in the founding year 1972-73 are illustrated below.
Steve Dando – Lock
Played for the Ath 4 seasons 1973-77. Formed a formidable partnership with Andrew Stimpson.
Steve then became a significant player for Bridgend and Neath. As a farmer he was extremely strong with hands like shovels. Jonathan “Jiffy” Davies gave him the accolade of one of the hardest players both in union and league he had played with or against.
His son Lewis is now a regular Ath prop and a very dedicated player.
Andrew Stimpson – Lock
Played in a formidable 2nd row pairing in 1973-74 wi9th Steve Dando. Well-built tall Athletic and strong lock who came to the Ath from Atlantic College.
His talent also took him to Bridgend, Newbridge & Ebbw Vale.
Holborn Roberts – Flanker
Debut second season 1973-74. A well built and strong flanker also capable of playing loose head prop. Probably the fastest sinker of a pint in the club.
Post 1982 played 71 games 1 1st, 44 2nd , 26 3rd crossing for 6 tries and 24 points. Retired 1991.
Keith (KIT)Edwards – Wing
Debut 1973-74 playing through 70’s with final games 1982-83 season. “Kit” was the practical joker and was responsible for calling the club and pretending he was representing Pontypool Ath RFC and said the Ath game there was off. Lyndon Young travelled in advance of us all and was there waiting for all of us to arrive Pontypool called to see where we were and we said we had a call from you, game off. It was Kit. He also called the police when at the Caerphilly RFC clubhouse we had a lock in following a midweek evening fixture. Kit was meeting a girl in Drones and wanted to see her. The police told us to go home. Kit met his girlfriend! Another time he rang the fire brigade and said there was a fire in the WEXA (old Ath clubhouse before renovation). Derek Brain smashed his way in asking Where is the fire. What Fire?
Steve Islip – Flanker (Pyjamarama)
The only guy in the world who wears pyjamas on tour.
Played four seasons 1973-1977. A particularly good flanker who made his mark.
Lyndon Young - Wing
Debut in second Ath season 1973-74. A good experienced wing. Became first youth coach in inaugural season 1976-77 and an Athletic committeeman. Captained 2nd XV in its second season 1975-76.
Became a leading local referee and on the Mid Glamorgan District & Silver Ball Committee.
Ian MaCarthur – Flanker
As well as playing Ian along with other players became an active committeeman.
Tim Howells – Wing
Tim was a good and very fit wing.
Roland “Tojo”Jones – Prop,
Roland was a hard fit and very mobile prop.
Terry Chewin – Wing
Terry was a good wing who came to the Ath from Atlantic College.
John Boon – Outside Half
John “Dan” Boon first captain of Ath 2nd XV formed 1974-75.
Quickly became a 1st XV player – good runner and goalkicker who played for Welsh Districts.
Met a girl while on an Ath tour in Cornwall and later married her and moved there for a few years, playing for Cornwall county.
Returned to Athletic and was steward of Southerndown Golf Club in later life. Also served as an Athletic committeeman.
David Perry – Hooker
David started his Ath career in season 1974-75. David’s personal records suggest he played 497 games but injury in season 1992-93 in his 17th playing season prevented him reaching 500 Apps.
Captained 2ND XV 2 seasons 81-83, the 1ST XV season 83-84 and 2nds XV another 2 seasons 85-87, and the 3rd XV season 1988-89.
Played regularly with Brian Lewis, Carey Prior, Phil Rees, Mike Rennie, Stephen Preece, Keri Beer, Ronnie Webb, Ian Holman, Tony Griffiths, Gareth Jones, and Gavin Hall.
From official records from 1982 he made 212 players crossing for 23 tries and 92 points when a try only worth 4 points.
Off the field David was a long-term committeeman and a club treasurer. His Company Church Village Travel have been long term club sponsors and organised the travel itinerary of a 3-week World Tour and have organised a Club Tour to South Africa for the 2021 British Lions Tour.
Stephen Preece – Lock
Stephen “Puss” Preece -a big strong lock made his senior debut season 1974-5.
He represented the Welsh Districts side. Captained 1ST XV season 1981-82. Also joined BARFC committee.
Made 138 recorded appearances 1982 till retirement 1989 crossing for 10 x 4pt tries and 40 points.
Adrian Bevan – Centre
Joined the club as a big strong running centre and given the captaincy in season 1975-76.
Went on tour one year to come home and his wife had left him and took all the furniture. Next tour, after getting back together he brought his wife with him. Also caught a taxi home from Carmarthen as he thought the bus had left without him. We had not. We had to take”” Kit” Edwards & John Davis to hospital
Preston Richardson – Outside Half
Preston was a particularly good rugby player who had previously played for Pencoed. He also played on occasions in other positions including scrum half on a club tour to Ayr.
John Williams – Lock / prop
“Willie John” Williams Debut season 1974-75. Able to player flanker, lock, or prop. Also played a game at full back (John P.R.Williams!!)
Post 1982 played 23 times 3 2nd XV and 20 3rd XV crossing for 2 tries and 8 points. One of prominent members of the “Sunday Club.”
Geoff Charnock – Prop,
A well-built prop excellent in the scrum. Knee problems cut short his playing career but became first first aider of newly formed youth side in season 1976-77, and later Senior Medical Officer.
Arwyn Reynolds – Hooker
Arwyn Reynolds joined Bridgend from the Scarlets and featured against the All Blacks. With top hookers at Bridgend in Jeff Davies and Gwyn Lloyd, Arwyn was made available to the Athletic when not required at Bridgend.
Other Players 1974-75: Austin Sweet - Flanker, Robert Oakes – Wing, Colin Stenner - Flanker, Robert “Nobby” North – Flanker, David Lloyd – No 9, Brian Davies – Centre.
Arwel Phillips – Flanker / Prop
Arwel “Pebbles” Phillips made his senior debut season 1975-76 as a strong and aggressive flanker.
Later converted to prop forward and captained the 2nd XV season 1981-82.
Post 1982 a series of injuries limited him to 41 appearances for the 2nd XV. When he retired in 1988, he club’s annual bill for medical tape halved!!!
Alan Jones – Prop
Joined the Ath season 1975-76 along with his brother Barrie.
An extraordinarily strong and powerful influential prop forward who went on to captain the Welsh District Team.
Captained the Ath 1ST XV season 1978-79 and again 1980-81.
Returned to club as Steward for a few years.
Eifion Owen – Flanker
First played season 1975-76. One of the fittest Athletic players covering every blade of grass.
Post 1982 made 120 appearances 15 1st, 82 2nd, and 25 3rd crossing for 29 tries and 116 points before retiring in 1988.
Alan Harris – Flanker
A tall quick flanker who made his debut season 1975-76.
Captained 2nd XV following season 1976-77 and brought some of his drinking buddies to the club.
Barrie Jones – Prop
A big flanker who converted to prop and brother of fellow prop Alan, who along with Alan made his senior Ath debut season 1975-76. Barrie assumed the role straightaway of player coach. He was a well-qualified coach equivalent of today’s head coach overseeing all coaching at club including the newly formed youth in season 1976-77.
Post 1982 Barrie played 86 senior games 22 1st, 47 2nd and 17 3rds XV before retiring in 1994 after 19 seasons. In all teams he was a high try scorer with 55 in his 86 post 1982 games. He even dropped a goal during one game.
Josh Llewellyn – No 8
Josh played a few seasons in the centre from 1975. A previous club sponsor through his company Gen Set. Brother of Huw & Ceredig Emmanuel.
Brothers Ceredig & Huw Llewellyn – Scrum Half & Centre
Huw Ceredig a talented scrum half and who was 2nd XV player of the year season 1975-76 and also played 1ST XV rugby at a very young age. He went on to be Head of Sport at Carmarthen Training College.
Huw was a strong tackling hard centre.
Paul Hiley – Flanker
Paul” Rocky” Hiley a fast-dynamic flanker played for the Athletic for 5 seasons 1975-80 before crossing the river to Bridgend Sports. He was an active committeeman.
Clive Dennis – Hooker
Started with Ath season 75-76. A good team player.
John Davis - Flanker
A short but mobile flanker who covered the field well making a nuisance of himself to the opposition. Played few seasons from his debut 1975-76 season.
Lyn Grabham – Lock
Played from 1975-76 season. An imposing lock who became an Ath committeeman.
Peter Vaughan – Full Back
Peter “Beaker” Vaughan a full back or wing played from 1976 through to 1982.Started in inaugural youth side in 1976-77 also playing for seniors.
In second year of youth was leading points score with 132 points including 13 tries and scored 18 points in a game against Blaengarw.
Keri Beer – Scrum Half
Made his debut season 1976-77.
Post 1982 made 135 appearances 59 1st, 64 2nd, 12 3rds before retiring in 1989. His 47 tries provided 188 points, with another 75 coming from the boot for an overall total of 263 points.
Terry Pemberton - Wing
Very influential when leading a group of players urging the Athletic to form a youth team First captain of the newly formed Ath youth side 1976-77.
Post 1982 played 34 senior games 3 2nd XV and 31 3rd XV crossing for 5 tries. Last appearance 1989.
His son Lloyd still playing for Ath 2ND XV after starting off in 1ST XV
Mark Davies – No 8
Mark (Chink) Davies played in the first Ath Youth team in 1976-77 and a season in the 1ST XV, before crossing the river to join the Sports where his father was Chairman.
Mark returned as an M&J Coach and coached with Steve Penry Ellis a Welsh Youth Cup winning Ath Youth side. His sons Rod, Lewis and Hywel were excellent Ath senior players.
Joined the club committee and was Chairman for a few years. Also, previous Webmaster of Ath Website.
Bruce Gerrard – Wing
Bruce Gerrard a free scoring wing played a few seasons from 1976-77 season.
Barrie Thomas – Centre
Barrie Thomas a builder started his senior appearances with the Athletic in season 1976-77 as a strong running centre.
Post 1982 made 11 2nd XV appearances until season 1983-84 crossing for 1 try
Barrie was very instrumental in the extensive work in gutting and rebuilding our current Ewenny Road Clubhouse.
He became one of 13 Club Life Members as recognition of his work for the Athletic.
Robert Hopkins – Wing
A strong and fast 1ST XV wing who scored many tries.
Other players to feature 1976-77 were: Wynn Roberts - Wing, Keith Price – Full Back, Roger James, Melvyn Davies – Flanker, David “Dai Twice” Davies – Wing,
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Really enjoying reading the history of the Ath. Brilliant idea to put this to paper, very informative and great to see pictures of former players. Look forward to reading more next week, brilliant.
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