News

Luke left the Ath in early Jan 2020 to take up a contract in Australia with Parkes Boars. John Apsee presented him with a photographic album put together by John Canon of his games with the Ath. John predicted a great rugby future for Luke. Judging by his first season in Australia Luke is well on the way to becoming a big name in the game in Australia.

Luke’s father Mike says Luke is loving life in Australia. They managed to play Rugby out there through the COVID and their season finished in September. The team he plays for Parkes Boars won the Grand Final playoff where he was man on the man as well as players player for the season as well as player of the season. He has also made the shortlist for Sport’s Personality of the year in Parkes but he is up against an Australian international hockey player a golfer and 2 NRL players.

He is due to start this season’s rugby at the end of February with a 7s tournament and will play in a few of them before the seasion starts proper in April. He has also been invited to represent Central West District.

Mike was hoping to come home Xmas and have a few games with the Ath – but this will now have to wait until next season.

Link below is the newspaper report of the New Holland Grand final in which Luke scored 16 of his sides points in the 21-18 victory.

https://www.parkeschampionpost.com.au/story/6944042/boars-defeat-wombats-to-take-out-new-holland-cup/?cs=1622&fbclid=IwAR2JLRZCoABUiXb2-jIpyDIaxLxKadpFNRjpZzsg4gebliE0zyKn7LNrLgk

Some extracts from report.

Fly-half Luke Bevan was judged best afield for the Boars, and the 'Welsh Wizard' proved yet again that he is on another level to everyone else in the New Holland Cup, with his pinpoint kicking,

 Two minutes later the Boars returned serve, marching quickly down the field before the dangerous back line finally saw some space with Bevan weaving his way over the line and converting his own try. Elusive running and mature game management.

A massive kick for touch from Bevan was followed by some fantastic open phase rugby, and speed was too much for Mudgee, who conceded a penalty right in front of the sticks.

Bevan duly converted the penalty, giving Parkes a 21-18 lead, which would prove to be the winning score.

Bevan, Nash, Miles and Dan Ryan were the key players for Parkes in the win; with their experience vital for the side as it fought back from behind.

Parkes Boars 21 (Luke Bevan, Joe Nash tries; Luke Bevan 4 goals) defeated Mudgee Wombats 18 (David Jessiman, Lachie Morse tries; Brian O'Reilly 3 goals) at Glen Willow Sporting Complex, Mudgee.