News

24 November 2020 / Club News

Bridgend Athletic RFC History 1995-2000

1995-2000 The Mini & Juniors were starting to thrive. Unknown at the time players currently household names were involved during this time. Lee Byrne moved from Juniors, through Youth and in 1999-2000 started 3 seasons with the Ath 1ST XV playing 90 games and scoring 50 tries as featured in player profiles. Rhys Webb, Scott Baldwin & Josh Navidi all played Ath M&J rugby during this period.

 In the initial year’s M&J numbers were sparse in some age groups requiring some ages amalgamating. Also, providing buses for away matches was draining funds. Parents were asked to “carpool” for away matches. This saw parents become more involved and offering to assist and even joining committees, also roping in extra players. With growing player numbers and subsequent parents helping, individual age groups were able to form their own structures in terms of fund raising, helping with coaching etc. This was significant factor in not only the advancement of the reputation of the M&J  section resulting in many tournament wins and overseas tours, but a knock on effect for first the youth and then the senior sides in the club. The current M&J structure is probably one of the best in the British Isles.

2000-2010 saw a golden era for both the youth and senior 1ST XV as the coaching received by M&J players and the Youth team started to reap its rewards. This will be covered in future histories.

1995 – 2000 saw the Ath consolidating in the newly formed National Leagues remaining in Div 7B or 7A Central, before results saw extra sides from 8 to 12 allocated to Div 5 Central in season 1998-2000. The Athletic were one of those sides. Alan Griffiths was a constant as backs coach from 1995-2002, while Keith “Dickie” Parrot spent 3 years as forward coach, before in Div 5 Central Paul Yardley joined Alan in 1998 until 2002.

 By 2000 the Athletic had a particularly good blend of players now hardened to League campaigns and exciting speedy youngsters like Lee Byrne and Robert Coles coming through. This was to pay dividends as the club with a stable coaching set up and future club appearances and points record holder Stuart Morris as captain raced through the leagues to Div 1 West in successive seasons between 2000 and 2004, which will be covered in 2000-2005 history.

The brown envelope culture mentioned in 1990-95 reached even more dizzy heights during this period. Money from the WRU meant for ground development was being used to chase the promised land of £100K+ a season allocated to Division 1 Clubs at the time. Clubs started contracting players and demanding outrageous transfer fees for their players – the WRU seemed to sleepwalk through what was going on requiring clubs to register players as contracted or non-contracted. The Inland Revenue were wise to this culture and most Welsh clubs including the Athletic were subject to a 2-year investigation by the Inland Revenue. The Athletic were exonerated of any wrongdoing. However, as the WRU looked to fund a new National Stadium annual grants to clubs fell off a cliff just as the Athletic had a team capable of reaching the “promised land of Division 1.” More about this in 2000-2005 history.

The Athletic attended meetings in 1996 outlining plans for a new National Stadium to be ready for the 1999 World Rugby Cup Tournament. In June 1999, the Millenium Stadium costing £126 million and with the second largest retractable roof of any World Sporting Stadium was commissioned with a 29-19 victory in a test match against South Africa. The crowd allowed was 29,000 in a stadium with a 73,931 capacity. The Athletic Youth were to play the final of the Welsh Youth Cup there in season 2002-2003.

The Athletic founded in 1972 reached its 25-year anniversary and held a well-attended reunion at the clubhouse attended by 90% of club captains and original players / committee Phil Rees, Brian Lewis, and David Lewis. Life Member Jeff Jenkins was present but fellow life member Clive Easterbrook was on holiday. Bridgend’s long-term Secretary Durbar Lawrie was a guest.

Phil Rees outlined the success of the club attaining WRU status, giving good Schweppes Cup accounts of themselves against mighty Cardiff and Swansea. David Perry who had captained all 3 senior sides was mentioned as was youth team founder Terry Pemberton who was delighted that 3 Ath Youth players Paul Jones, Malcolm Hall and Adrian Phillips had won Wales U18 Caps.

 Following a buffet and comedian all the old Ath songs led by Brian were sung with gusto.

At the end of the season the 25th Annual Presentation Evening was held at the Bridgend Recreation Centre. Guest of Honour was former Wales Captain & then WRU President Clive Rowlands, who handed out the awards. Players of season were all flankers’ 1sts Tony Holt, 2nds Huw Jones and Youth Marcus Sainsbury. Best back went to Stuart Morris whose 317 points contributed to the Ath finishing 5th in Div 7A having defeated all 4 sides above them in the table. Captain’s Awards 1sts Stuart Morris, 2nds Ian Holman and Youth Mark Rees. The Club Person of the Year went to David Burt for his fundraising, notably the 200 Club he founded in 1992.

1998-99 saw a scrummaging machine purchased for £3400 from Richter Engineering – Terry Coles of J.G.Plant donating £500 towards the cost.

Although the club went into debt at the end of 1994-95 as in previous history the major sponsorship deals with Merthyr Motor Auctions, Microcompass and KPMG coupled with good support from other loyal sponsors and bar sales meant the club were in a much better position at the end of 1996. Treasurer Barrie Morris proposed that as the Welsh Brewers Mortgage was now down to £40K that the club should seek an extra £10K on the mortgage to carry out a major refurbishment including new floors laid downstairs. This was approved by the committee and subsequently Welsh Brewers and the necessary work carried out.

A local darts team asked to transfer and use the Ath as their base and so an Athletic Nomads Darts team came into existence.

The Athletic were also very instrumental in assisting Bridgend Town Cricket Club obtain Lottery funding to replace their burned down Pavilion. When Bridgend County Council turned down supporting their Lottery Funding application with Littlewoods Pools for a single Sport Pavilion, they turned to the Athletic for help. The M&J Section supporting junior rugby were extensively involved as Chairman Terry Coles struck a deal with the Cricket Club and Council for multi-sport winter access to the Cricket Club Pavilion Changing Rooms to support their application.

 The Cricket Club also asked Bridgend Town Council to administer the Winter lease and maintenance of the Pavilion, minuted by the Ath secretary at a committee meeting on 25th Feb 1998 “The cricket club did not want to be holders of the keys and wished to pass the responsibility of caretaking to the County Council.” The now defunct Sports Lottery section of Littlewood Pools added a clause that no changes to the terms of the lease could be made without the permission of their trustees. Interestingly the Cricket Club lease has expired, and they are trying to negotiate a new lease with revised terms which the Athletic who helped secure the original lease are monitoring.

I995-2000 Club Officials.

President – Alan Davies MMA (95-98), Phil Rees 1998-2000, Chairmen Terry Coles 1995-2000 Treasurer – Barrie Morris (1990-2000), Club Secretary – Roy Huntley ((1993-Present), Youth Secretary Glyn Rees (1995-2000)

General Committee and additions 1995-1998 – Terry Coles, Glan Hitchings, Roy Huntley, Pat Watts, Dennis Brinham, Ken Griffiths & Gareth Davies

Between 1998-2000 only Chairman Terry Coles, Secretary Roy Huntley & Treasurer Barrie Morris were official committeemen attending meetings – though others in the club helped with organising functions etc.

 Entertainment Secretary’s – Pat Watts, Gareth Davies & Adrian Burt for some functions.

Trustees – Messrs, Jeff Jenkins, Malcolm Sawyer, Peter Wood, Terry Coles

Patrons – David Williams and John Apsee Snr

Life Members – since 82-83 Brian Lewis, Phil Rees, Mike Rennie, Clive Easterbrook added to Jeff Jenkins, in 83-84 Barrie Thomas also added.

Press Officer Adrian Burt 1985 – Present

100 Club Administrator 1992-2017 David Burt

1995-2000 Match Officials, Coaches and Captains

Fixture Sec – Barrie Morris 1995-2000

Medical Officer Joffrey Hodges till 1997. Later in 1998 Mel Bird a Welsh Women’s International took on the role.

Club Coaches Alan Griffiths, Keith “Dickie” Parrot (1995-1998), Alan Griffiths, Paul Yardley (1998-2002)

Youth Coach Phil Rees 1995-2001, Tony Griff 1999-2001 Youth Secretary (1995-2000) Glyn Rees

Youth Team Manager 1999-2003 Terry Coles

Club Captains

1sts – Lee Grabham (95-96), Stuart Morris (96-97), Tony Holt (97-98), Stuart Morris (1998-2005)

2nds – Tony Griffiths (95-96), Ian Holman (96-97), Damien McGluckin (97-98), David Williams (98-99), Huw Jones (1999-2000).

Youth – Neil Vaughan (95-96), Mark Rees (96-97), Kyle Hemmings (97-98), Carle Ellis (98-99), Andrew Smith (1999-2000)

Table Ath 1Sts XV Results 1995-1997, 1998-2000 (No 1997-98 available)

Ath 1ST XV Results 1990-94. Ath score first. League Games -Red, now Swalec Cup Blue, Friendlies – Black – No results available 1997-98 League7A Captain T. Holt, Coach D.Parrot A.Griffiths

1995-96

1996-97

1998-99

1999-2000

 

National League 7B Central

League Div 7B Central

 League Div 5 Central

League Div 5 Central

 

Capt L.Grabham

Capt S.Morris

Capt S.Morris

Captain S.Morris

 

Coach Alan Griffiths, Dickie Parrot

Coach Alan Griffiths, Dickie Parrot

Coach Alan Griffiths, Paul Yardley

Coach Alan Griffiths, Paul Yardley

 

Results

Results

Results

Results

 

No Fixture type available

 

 

 

 

Penygraig            0-40

Crumlin             27-20

Burlington          83-14

Taffs Well        19-17

 

Rhydyfelin           8-10

Neath Ath           9-5

H.M.Prison         48-23

Cwmavon        16-20

 

Nantymoel         19-17

Senghenydd        9-18

Cefn Coed           12-8

Ogmore Vale    6-15

 

Blaengarw           11-8

Bargoed               44-15

Rhydyfelin           15-25

Bridgend Sports 33-25

Cent Glam Cup

 

 

Blaengarw           24-23

 

 

 

Gilfach Goch       3-36

Pontycymmer     12-22

Neyland               20-10

Cowbridge      35-15

 

Bridgend Sports 25-12         

Banwen                56-16

Nantyfyllon          36-14    

Rhydyfelin       18-24

 

Neath Athletic     8-0

Banwen                  12-9

Banwen                 17-22

Aberavon G.S.  73-0

 

Treherbert           17-15

Tylorstown          28-19

Nelson                   30-15

Heol Y Cyw        14-19

 

Pencoed               18-17

Treherbert           22-10

Bynea                     44-18

Caldicot              20-31

 

Aberavon G.S      26-6

Cwmgwrach        12-35

Senghenydd         26-22

Llantwit Major 29-7

 

Skewen                  6-9

Maesteg Celtic    50-3

Ynysybwl               6-14

Nantyfyllon        13-19

 

British Steel         32-17

Penygraig              8-34

Aberdare                12-9

Cefn Coed         17-15

 

Senghenydd          6-10

Neath Ath              35-3

Neath Ath               3-12

Aberdare           23-23

 

Penygraig               7-42

Senghenydd        24-17

Ystalyfera                8-28

Senghenydd       8-0

 

Rhydyfelin             9-15

Bridgend Sports 19-15

Rhydyfelin             15-22

Taffs Well            9-8

 

Baglan                  21-19

Banwen                 9-15

Nantyfyllon           16-18

Cwmavon            5-27

 

Blaengarw             6-0

Pentyrch               24-7

Nelson                     6-10

Ogmore Vale      19-10

 

Bridgend Sports 17-22

Tylorstown          18-33

Senghenydd         37-33

Cowbridge          10-12

 

Neath Athletic     16-6

Nantymoel            7-21

Aberdare               24-7

Rhydyfelin           24-42

 

Aberavon G.S.      53-7

Treherbert            8-55

Neath Athletic      24-10

Heol Y Cyw          23-10

 

 

Cwmgwrach        20-19

Ystalyfera               3-22

Alton                    50-10

 

 

Blaengarw           15-15

Banwen                 73-21

Maesteg Celtic 16-10

Cent Glam Cup

 

 

Nantyfyllon         38-24

Tylorstown            19-16

Bridgend           10-49

 

 

Maesteg Celtic    49-0

Cefn Coed             17-28

Nantyfyllon       27-15

 

 

 

Heol Y Cyw            7-28

Cefn Coed        22-18

 

 

 

Cwmgwrach         19-10

Nelson                16-13

 

 

 

Tylorstown            25-7

Tylorstown         18-3

 

 

 

 

Aberdare             41-10

 

 

 

 

Tylerstown          17-20

 

 

 

 

Nelson                  16-27

 

 

 

 

Senghenydd         15-8   

 

 

 

 

 

 

P 20 W12 L8

P25 W 16 D1 L8

P27 W 17 L10

P31 W20 D1 L10

 

PF 301 PA 268

PF 579 PA 453

PF 645 PA 466

PF 663 PA 510

 

 

 League 16W10 D1 L5

League P 21 W12 L9

League P21W12 L8 D1

 

1sts Season 1995-96: Div 7B Central, Captain Lee Grabham. P20 W12 L8 PF 301 PA 268. While the Athletic did well defeating local sides like Blaengarw Double, Nantymoel, Pencoed, Bridgend Sports, British Steel & Baglan, apart from Treherbert they struggled against the bigger packs in the East.

Most Apps: 19 Jason Forkin, Lee Shearan, Andrew Tellem, 18 Lee Grabham, Mark Lewis, Adrian Phillips. Most tries 5 Lee Grabham, Stuart Morris, Andrew Tellem, Paul Webb, 3 Mark Lewis, Steve Hancock. Most Points 140 Stuart Morris.

1sts season 1996-97 Division 7B Central. Captain Stuart Morris.P25 W16 D1 L8 PF 570 PA 453 A good Swalec Cup Run reaching the 4th round. 1st Round beating Crumlin 27-20 Michael Jarman Try and 22 points from Stuart Morris with 2T, 3C, 2P, 2nd Round beat Bargoed 44-15. Tries Paul Hier, Lee Grabham, Darren Thomas, Michael Jarman (T+D.G) and Stuart Morris 2C, 4P. 3RD Round Banwen Away 12-9. The previous week the Athletic had defeated Banwen 56-10 at home in the league with a Michael Jarmen try hat trick and tries from Lee Davies and 31 points from Stuart Morris 5C,6P and D.G., however on a narrow sloping pitch with a highly large partisan crowd Stuart Morris pulled the game from the fire with his fourth penalty 5 minutes from time. Another notable win was halting Blaengarw’s unbeaten run in Div 7B with a narrow 24-23 victory at Newbridge Field. A solo Mike Jarman try in the dying minutes converted by Stuart Morris snatched the victory. Stuart Morris contributed 19 points with a try, conversion and 4 pens.

Most Apps: Stuart Morris 24, Andrew Tellem 22, 21 Steve Hancock, Lee Grabham, Tony Holt, Michael Jarman, Lee Shearan, 20 Jason Davies,19, Adrian Phillips ,18 David Williams, 17 Jason Forkin, 16 John Doherty. Most tries: 14 Michael Jarman, 10 Andrew Tellem ,9 Stuart Morris, 7 Lee Grabham, 5 Chris Davies. Most Points: Stuart Morris 281, Michael Jarman 82.

1sts season 1998-99. Captain Stuart Morris League 5 Central.P27 W17 L10 PF 645 PA 466. Burlington Centaurs from Canada visited preseason reciprocating an Ath tour there in 1986, suffering an 83-14 defeat. In the Swalec Cup the Ath defeated Neyland 20-10 with tries from Andrew Tellem, Neil McAndrew and Dan Williams and a Stuart Morris Con and Pen in Round 1. Round 2 saw a 44-18 win over Bynea with tries from 3 Stuart Morris and single touchdowns from Andrew Tellem, Wayne Yardley, Jason Raffill and Michael Jarman. Stuart Morris added 3 cons and a pen for a match haul of 24 points. The Ath lost a 3rd round tie 6-14 to Ynysybwl with 2 Stuart Morris pens being trumped by a try and 3 penalties from the visitors. S4C covered the match highlights with Terry Coles of J.G.Plant providing a tractor and trailer for the TV Cameras.

Most Apps:26 John Doherty, Michael Jarman, 25 Steve Hancock, Stuart Morris, Jason Raffill, 24 Peter Barry, 23 Nigel Hemmings, 22 Grufydd Davies, John Hughes, 21 Wayne Yardley. Most Tries: 16 Michael Jarman, 11 Stuart Morris, 7 Jason Raffill, Andrew Tellem, Wayne Yardley, 5 John Doherty,

1sts season 1999-2000. League 5 Central. Captain Stuart Morris. P 31 W 20 D1 L10 PF663 PA 510.

Swalec Cup beat Aberavon G.S. 73-0, scoring 12 tries. 3 from Lee Byrne who came up from Youth, 2T from centres Wayne Yardley and Steve Hancock and flanker Rhodri Jones, with single tries from wing Chris Williams, Lee Grabham and Stuart Morris who added 5 cons and a pen. They lost 20-31away at Caldicot in Round 2 with 4 Ath tries matching those of Caldicot from wings Jason Raffill and Chris Davies and player coach flanker Paul Yardley with Stuart Morris adding a con and pen. In the Central Glamorgan Cup, they defeated Bridgend Sports 33-25 with 2 tries from Lee Byrne and 1 each Jason Raffill, Grufydd Davies and Paul Yardley and 4 Stuart Morris conversions. In the same competition they defeated Maesteg Celtic 18-12 with tries Chris Williams and Grufydd Davies and a con and 2 pens from Stuart Morris.

Most Apps: 29 Grufydd Davies 27 John Doherty, Carle Ellis, 26 Lee Byrne, Stuart Morris,23 Peter Barry and 22 Tim Lewis. Most tries 13 Lee Byrne, 8 Stuart Morris, 7 Jason Raffill, 6 John Doherty, 5 Peter Barry, Steve Hancock. Most Points 264 Stuart Morris, 65 Lee Byrne.

2nds 1995-2000 – no official records kept – but below snippets obtained from Committee Minute Books and some available Press Cuttings.

1995-96. Captain Tony Griffiths.

A problem throughout season was a lack of front row forwards when passive scrums were not allowed. Some games won Blaengarw 59-0, Bridgend Sports 27-14, Neath Athletic 17-3. Lost Pencoed 22-0, Nantyfyllon 27-6, Glyncorrwg 58-13.

1996-97 Captain Ian Holman.

Won Neath Athletic 34-28 (2T Neal Vaughan,T Mark Williams, David Fletcher, Jason Quirke + 3C,1P), Won 12-0 Llantwit Major (J.Quirke 4P), Bridgend Sports 18-10 (T Dean Dent, Damien McGluckin, Huw Jones. Pen J. Quirke. Treherbert 15-10 (Jason Raffill 5P), Pontyclun 27-12 (2T Steve Lyons, Stuart Bevan, Damien McGluckin +Pen, 2Con Chris Parry) Ogmore Vale 37-12. Lost Blaengarw 51-0, Brackla 12-10, Pencoed 55-14, Treherbert 21-14 (T Marcus Sainsbury, Mark Rees + 2C).

1997-98 Captain Damien McGluckin.. Records available P24 W10, L14, PF 575 PA 416.

Some results available. Won Bryncethin 8-0, Nantyfyllon 27-12, Maesteg Celtic 34-14. Lost Penygraig 14-10, Pencoed 57-14, Glyncorrwg 35-15, Bryncethin 18-10.

1998-99. Captain David Williams.

Won. Double over Bridgend Sports 57-0 League 9 tries (3T Haydn Lewis, 2T Steve Lyons, 1T Andrew West, Nigel Hemmings, Mark Ward, David Williams, 5C D.McGluckin, 1C Stuart Bevan), 49-0 Enoch Lewis Cup 8T (3T David Williams, T Karl David, S.Lyons.,l Lloyd Jones, Ian Holman,  D.McGluckin + 3C, 1P, Kenfig Hill 29-12 (I.Holman, Andrew Gregory, Paul Webb, David Williams, 3C,1P Mark Rees, Tondu 39-15 (3T David Williams, T Mark Williams, Andrew West, Paul Webb, 3C, DG D.McGlucin. Maesteg Quins 15-10., Porthcawl 19-10, Brackla 25-3, Cefn Cribbwr 27-19. Lost 17-15 Heol Y Cyw, Maesteg Quins 30-19, S.W.Police 20-0.

1999-2000. Captain Huw Jones

Only 2 results available. Won 34-5 Kenfig Hill (T Andrew Smith, Tim Lewis, 2T D.McGluckin + 4C, 1P. Lost 36-12 Heol Y Cyw (T Gareth Bartlett, Andrew West C Mark Rees.

Youth 1995-2000. Again, no official records – only some results available.

Youth 1995-96. Captain Neil Vaughan.

Won Pyle 16-12, Pontyclun 22-10, Nantymoel 13-0, Tondu 44-3, Lost Carmarthen Athletic 39-12, Llantwit Major 15-3, Pencoed 25-10, Pencoed 10-5.

Youth 1996-97. Captain Mark Rees.

A noticeably young youth side this season. Won. Aberavon Green Stars (T Justin Martin, Christian Jenkins, Robert Burston, Lee James, 3C Mark Rees. Tredegar 27-24 (started with 13 players – late arrival, 2T Lee James, T Matthew Carter, Simon Goodridge, Dean Jobin + 1C. St Albans 25-7 (3T Simon Goodridge, T Christian Jenkins, C, P), Tondu 24-13 (T Chris Williams, Chris Thomas, Rhian Way, Mark Rees + 2C). Ogmore Vale 37-12 (2T Simon Goodridge, T Gavin Cawley, Khris Thomas, David Wright, 3C,2P Mark Rees). Llanharan 46-0 (T Marcus Sainsbury, David Wright, Gavin Cawley, Lee James, Daryl Griffiths, Chris Williams, Wayne Fooks, Mark Rees + 3C) Aberavon G.S. 56-0. Lost Pyle 17-10, Treherbert 21-14.

Youth 1997-98 Captain Kyle Hemmings.

Drew Pyle 0-0. Lost Old Iltydians 14-22, Cwmavon 32-25, Pontyclun 11-9, Pentyrch 5-12.

Youth 1998-99. Captain Carle Ellis.

Although the team contained some exceptionally talented players like captain Carle Ellis, Lee Byrne, Carl Towzer and Gareth Bartlett they were handicapped by a lack of numbers – barely having 15 players and on occasions playing with as little as 13.

Won. Taffs Well 36-7 (2T Lee Byrne, T Dafydd Humble, Gareth Bartlett, Curtis Elwood, 3C Carle Ellis. Kenfig Hill 29-12, Heol Y Cyw 24-18, Glyncorrwg 15-5. Lost Tondu 22-10 (T Chris O’Connor, C, P Carle Ellis. Maesteg Celtic 39-33. The Ath with only 13 players trailed 31-0 at half time, scoring 33 2ND half points to only lose 39-33. (2T Lee Byrne, T Carl Towzer, Pen Try, Owen Weeke + 3C).

Youth 1999-2000 – Captain Andrew Smith

Unfortunately, no info available.

 

 

Player Profiles

Please note No Player Records 1ST X 1997-98 or any 2nd XV in this period. Leaving Blank Players Apps most severely affected, Apologies to any players missed during this period.

Have now recently obtained access to most 1ST XV missing records 2001- 2003 and extremely limited 2nd XV records. Players below updated. Now in process of updating all records and will publish revised Player Records in due course.

Alan Griffiths

Alan although not an Ath player – played outside half or centre for Tondu. Was very instrumental in the Ath coaching set up as backs coach for 7 seasons between 1995-2002, overseeing the club’s rise from Div 7B Central to Division 3 East in his time with the Athletic.

He first coached with fellow Tondu product Keith “Dickie” Parrot seasons 1995-1998, when the club went from Div 7 to Div 5 Central. The he was joined by Paul Yardley from 1998-2002 when from 2000-2002 the club won successive promotions from Div 5 Central to Div 4 East then Division 3 East.

He left with work commitments following the Silver Ball Final in Season 2001-2002

Fellow coach Paul Yardley said “Alan was a 100% committed coach who knew the game inside out and could read the game well in match situations. He was well respected and popular with the players he coached.

Paul Yardley

Paul Yardley joined the Athletic coaching set up in season 1998-99 and remained until moving on to coach Caerphilly season 2002-2003 as forwards coach alongside head coach Mark Ring. Paul had a distinguished playing career at flanker with Kenfig Hilll and the top local teams of that era Maesteg, Bridgend and Aberavon, and was initially a player coach. He and Alan Griffiths saw the Athletic promoted from Div 5 Central to Div 4 East and the Div 3 East in successive seasons. They also for only the second time while in Div 4 East reached the final of the Silver Ball losing narrowly 26-22 to British Steel.

He returned to the club to assist coaches Huw Hathaway and David Williams seasons 2006-2008, and again in season 2008-2009 as head coach with John Apsee replacing Huw Hathaway as backs coach and David Williams remaining as forwards coach.

Paul has always maintained contact with the club as his son Evan played through age groups and Youth winning Wales U16 and U18 caps before moving on and winning Wales U19 and U20 Caps and is now with Cardiff Blues Region.

Paul is currently an Ath Youth Coach for past 2 seasons.

Wayne Fooks

Apps 454 1ST XV Apps 383 Tries 31 Points 155

Wayne has made an astonishing 454 senior appearances, and with his love of the game who would bet against him following Stuart Morris past the 500 mark. Certainly 400 1ST XV Apps is well in his sights.

Having played in most of the club age group teams, Wayne played youth before 22 seasons ago in 1998 he made his first senior appearance.

 He has seen the club progress from the old Division 5 through to the Championship and currently playing in Division 1 West Central, holding off the challenge of many club props of far greater stature than him. Not many opposing props either have out scrummaged Wayne. Remarkably he came back from a double ankle and broken leg in a Championship game at Narbeth four seasons ago. In the early 2000’s also turned out at hooker when required.

Wayne is an extremely popular player and person with everybody associated with club to which he has given so much. This was duly recognised when he was once awarded Clubman of the Year season 2003-2004. He is also among a handful of 15 players awarded an Athletic Cap.

Wayne coached the Mini & Juniors tracking his son Brandyn who has now just completed his final season with the Athletic Youth. It was a proud day for Wayne when he played alongside Brandyn in a 2nd XV game at Kenfig Hill. Hopefully, there will still be a “Fooks” representing the Ath for the next 20 years – maybe even Wayne!!

Grufydd Davies – Lock or No 8

Apps 280 1st XV Apps 270 Tries 32 Points 160

As well as No 8 Grufydd played at both lock and flanker. Senior debut season 1998-99. Moved away to Reading early 2000’s but still on occasions turned out for the Athletic on home visits. Returned to Bridgend in season 2009-2010 and one of first names on team sheet until retiring at end of season 2016-2017 when he led the team out with his two daughters in his final game against Trebanos.

A vital member of our team during its 4 Championship seasons. Enjoyed many local derby battles with his brother Hywel Captain of Tondu.

As well as MOM and POY Awards Gruf awarded the Daryl Dyke Memorial Award and is one of only 15 players to receive an Athletic Cap.

Now assisting Dean Brown and Marcus Sainsbury in coaching the “Infants 3-6” section of the M&J.

Carle Ellis - Centre

Apps 226 1ST XV Apps 169 Tries 57 Points 404

Made 1ST XV debut in season 1998-99 and played in the 2001-2002 Silver Ball final against British Steel on the Brewery Field. Played for 2nd XV season 2014-2015 17 years later.

A strong powerful centre with a trademark hand off and scorer of 57 tries. Sidestep was not an option for Carle but had a good turn of speed. Also, able to play outside half.

As one of old club characters as part of Byrne, Stoker, Towzer, Bailey group their Saturday post-match activities were as much talked about as their on-field exploits.

Steve Lyons – Wing (Utility)

Apps 172 1st XV Apps 72 Tries 68 Points 340.

Made 1ST XV debut in 1995-96 season and was on the bench in the 2001-2002 Silver Ball final game against British Steel.

A regular try scorer with his 72 tries in 172 senior appearances, and his 15 tries in a season for the 2nd XV is the 6th best in a season, as is his 55 2nd XV tries also 3rd highest 2nd XV tries recorded.

First Ath player to play International rugby for Malta, with the Apsee brothers Dan and Rod current Maltese Internationals.

A good team player who later played many different positions in the 2nd XV including hooker

Chris Williams

Apps 147 1ST XV Apps 147 Tries 2 Points 10

Chris played all his 147 games between 1998-2006 in the 1st XV. An excellent line out forward and ball carrier Chris played in the boiler house alongside John Hughes, Grufydd Davies, Sean James & Jonathan Stoker. He was Vice Capt season 2002-2003. Chris was also renowned for entertaining the team with his singing on the team bus.

Chris has remained loyal to the Athletic through his Company Spring Consultancy becoming a regular Club Sponsor.

Jason Raffill – Wing / Full Back

Apps 128 1st XV Apps 124 Tries 35 Points 195

Jason Rafilll made his 1St XV debut as a full back in season 1998-1999 but moved to wing when Lee Byrne came on the scene between 1999-2002 and was on the bench for the 2002 Silver Ball Cup Final.

A good try scoring record of 35 tries in his 128 appearances

Unfortunately, a life-threatening infection saw his playing career cut short at the end of the 2003-2004 season.

While in 1ST XV ran the London Marathon and in recent years aged around 40, he embarked on a new career competing at a high level around Europe in Iron Man triathlons.

Peter Barry - Hooker

Apps 118 1st XV Apps 117 Tries 20 Points 100.

Played in 1st team between 1998 to 2005. Some of club’s most successful promotion seasons.

A strong scrummager and very mobile around the field Peter was starting hooker in our Silver Ball Cup Final against British Steel season 2001-2002.

 Peter was also a good ball handler and runner with an average ratio of a try every 5 games. One try that got away was when Peter dropped the final pass of the game on the try line that would have taken the Ath past the 100 points mark in a Swalec Cup tie away at Swansea Uplands season 2002-2003. Think he felt sorry for the opposition!! Just become a first-time father.

Jeff Bartle – Prop

Apps 116 1st XV Apps 82 Tries 5 Points 25

Made 1st XV debut 1999 and played mix 1St & 2nd XV rugby until season 2010-2011. Played most 1ST between 2000-2004.

Punched above his weight in scrums and a committed player around the field. He and Wayne Fooks were props in BARFC Silver Ball Final v British Steel season 2001-2002.

Marcus Sainsbury - Flanker

Apps 103 1ST XV Apps 61 Tries 10 Points 50

An extraordinarily strong and dynamic flanker who excelled in youth picking up a Player of Year award, He also excelled for the seniors, attracting Maesteg to sign him for a few seasons. Played as the Athletic progressed from Div 5 Central to Div 1 West, and was openside flanker in the Silver Ball Final 2001-2002.

He is now assisting Dean Brown and Grufydd Davies with the newly formed Infants 3-6-year-old section of the Ath M&J.

Marcus has also in recent years completed the Tenby Ironman Triathlon.

 

Lee Byrne – Full Back

Apps 90 1ST XV Apps 89 Tries 50 Points 250

Lee is probably the last of a kind to gain full Welsh honours after playing 3 seasons between 1999-2002 at senior level for a side below Regional or Premiership level. In his last 2 seasons he played in a side captained by Stuart Morris and coached by Paul Yardley and Alan Griffiths that saw successive season promotions from Div 5 Central to Division 4 East and the Division 3 East.

Lee played Age group and youth rugby for the Athletic before playing 89 times for the 1St XV. Lee’s last Athletic game was in the Silver Ball final before moving up a division to play at Tondu for a part of season 2002-2003.

His 24 1st XV Ath tries in his final season is the 6th highest recorded, while his 50 1ST XV tries in only 3 senior seasons is the 11th highest 1ST XV try scorers. He scored 2 tries against Beddau to help the Ath reach the Silver Ball final, where another try was insufficient to stop British Steel recording a narrow 26-22 victory.

Next stop during season 2002-2003 was Llanelli and the Scarlets before gaining the first of his 40 Wales Caps in season 2005-2006 against the All Blacks. He also played for the British Lions in South Africa in 2009 when he was generally recognised as the World’s best full back.

Regional sides after Scarlets included 5 seasons at Ospreys, 3 at Clermott Avergne and a final season in 2014-2015 at the Dragon before retiring as the result of a shoulder injury.

Lee has not forgotten his roots and has always been supportive at Club Presentations and special events. One of his earliest book launches of his autobiography “The Byrne Identity” took place end of Nov 2017 at the Ath clubhouse.

Steve Hancock – Centre

Apps 85 1st XV Apps 85 Tries 15 Points 75

Steve was a very combative centre with a strong hand off and eye for a break, crossing for a very respectable 15 tries. Also, particularly good defensively.

Paul Pascoe - Prop

Apps 65 1ST XV Apps 64 Tries 4 Points 20.

Transferred from Ogmore Vale and made 65 Appearances. Coach Paul Yardley said Paul Pascoe was an excellent prop but was a reluctant trainer. If he had been motivated, he could easily have played 1ST class rugby.

Dan Williams

Apps 61 1ST XV Apps 61 Tries 6 Points 30

Dan Williams was a highly combative No 8 or blind side flanker always in the thick of the action, and a go to player to ball carry. Suffered a few injuries because of his competitiveness.

Rhys Gronow – Hooker

Apps 56 1st XV Apps 56.

An extraordinarily strong scrummager and very mobile youngster during his time with the Athletic. A good ball carrier and intelligent player, also involved during promotion seasons

Andrew West – Wing

Apps 53 – All 2ND Team. 15 Tries, 75 Points

A strong powerful wing extremely hard to stop once in his stride. Good scoring record of a try every 5 games. Moved to Brackla RFC – still playing and has made a few 2ND XV games on permit over last few seasons.

Lee Shearan – Prop

Apps 52 1ST XV Apps 52

An excellent acquisition for the Athletic. Rock solid in the scrum and excellent ball carrier, Did the nitty gritty work to secure the ball for a talented back line.

Matthew Stephens

Apps 51 1ST XV 14 Tries 15 Points 75

A tall and agile No 8 who made more 2ND XV Apps during seasons 2001-2003. Matthew captained the 2ND XV season 2003-2004.

Possessed speed of a centre and his ratio of 14 tries in 51 games stands with most of top try scorers in the club.

Nigel Hemmings - Prop

Apps 51 1st XV Apps 40

Nigel was a strong scrummager and good ball carrier and around the field. He was always very enthusiastic and strongly motivated.

 

Michael Jarman – Outside Half

Apps 50 1ST XV Apps 50 Tries 30 Points 182

Michael was a very gifted player with a great sidestep and dummy which was typical of Max Boyce’s “Welsh Fly half factory” A tremendous scoring record of 30 in 50 games. Scored a last-minute solo try to end Blaengarw’s Div 7B Central unbeaten record as the Ath pipped them 24-23.

Tony Holt - Flanker

Apps 47 1ST XV Apps 47 Tries 5 Points 25

Tony captained the Ath season 1997-98 when he also won Player of the Year. A dynamic flanker who led from the front – first to the breakdown and always in support of attacking moves.

Rhodri Jones – Flanker

Apps 44 1ST XV Apps 44 Tries 8 Points 40

Rhodri was a tall lean flanker very quick around the field and useful as a line out jumper. His support play earned him a very respectable 8 tries in his 44 appearances.

 

Jason Davies – Prop

Apps 41 1ST XV Apps 41

Jason “Cuzz” Davies transferred from Tondu. A great prop for the Ath – strong scrummager and good around the field. Popular with his team mates.

Ian Hapgood - Flanker

Apps 33 1ST XV Apps 33 Tries 2 Points 10

Transferred from Tondu. A good flanker in both attack and defence. Extremely popular with his fellow players with a great sense of humour.

John Carter - Centre

Apps 32 1st XV Aps 28 Tries 5 Points 25

John was a particularly good footballer who could have turned professional. He changed later to rugby and his strength and speed saw him cross for 5 tries in 32 Apps. His daughter Megan Webb is a current senior Welsh Women’s centre.

John is married to BARFC founder Brian Lewis daughter Rachel.

Carl Towzer - Flanker

Apps 26 1ST XV Apps 5 Tries 5 Points 25

A strong and forceful backrow forward and one of club characters in group including Lee Byrne, Gareth Bartlett, Carle Ellis, and Jonathan Stoker whose off-field exploits were as colourful as their play on it. Always has a smile on his face. Playing for 2nds 2001-2003 when no records available.

Made a one-off Frank Sinatra type comeback in season 2018-2019

Chris Davies - Wing

Apps 24 1ST XV Apps 24 Tries 6 Points 30

Chris is the son of current Ath Patron Gareth Davies. Like Gareth, Chris was a very quick sprinter and a good ratio of a try every 4 games shows he knew the way to the try line.

Tim Lewis Flanker

Apps 26 1st XV Apps 2 Tries 4 Points 20

Tim Lewis mainly played a season 1999-2000 making 22 1ST XV Apps. A reliable flanker good in defence and quick to the breakdown. Linked well with backs.

Mark Lewis – Scrum Half

Apps 19 1ST XV Apps 18 Tries 3 Points 15

A small but very agile scrum half who had a good tactical appreciation of the game. Suited the Ath 15-man style of play by his ability to provide a quick and accurate service with the ball.

Craig Parry – Wing or Centre

Apps 17 1ST XV Apps 17 Tries 5 Points 25

A quick wing with a particularly good try to games scoring ratio.

Dean Brown – Wing

Dean played for the Ath U12 in its formative season 1989-90, then through the age groups to the youth team and the seniors playing alongside the likes of Stuart Morris and Andrew Tellem. He was a quick elusive winger.

Recent seasons has seen Dean coaching age groups at M&J level and becoming an enthusiastic M&J committeeman, rising to Deputy Chairman, before this season being appointed Chairman. The great service he has done with M&J rugby was recognised with Dean receiving the Club’s prestigious Club Person of Year award at the Annual Senior Presentation night in                 June 2019. He is also very keen to integrate the M&J and senior set ups at the club.

His newest ambitious project along with previous Athletic players Marcus Sainsbury and Grufydd Davies is the formation of an Infants section ages 3-6 in the club, and over 50 children have signed up.

Jamie Mordecai – Hooker

Jamie was a good hooker at both 1st & Second team level who came through age groups and Athletic youth rugby. Very reliable in tight and loose play.

Kevin Gamble – Centre

Kevin was an exceptionally reliable mainly 2nd XV centre who was a good reader of the game and able to get the line moving.

He became involved in coaching age group rugby along with Lee Grabham, who took an incredibly talented side into Youth rugby. Their Youth side won both the Welsh Cup and Welsh League the following season and were losing finalists in another Welsh League campaign.

Two of their side Joe Grabham and Caine Woolerton now have Ospreys Development contracts, and 12 of their youth side have played for the 1ST XV.

Gavin David – Centre / Wing

Gavin was a good wing or centre for the 2nd XV between 1995-2004. He really enjoyed his rugby and his company CRD Precision Engineering Ltd sponsored the 2ND XV in 1998.

His favourite memory was defeating local rivals Bridgend Sports in a League and Cup fixture in the same month and keeping them scoreless. Results were 57-0 and 49-0.

Brought his son Alex to the U7’s M&J in 2011, coaching them for 5 years during which they won the Chippenham Tournament in 2014. From 2011 has sponsored the club through Sponsorship Secretary David Davison, for which BARFC are grateful.

Mark Prime – 2nd Row

Mark was a tall and lean second row for the 2nd XV. An excellent line out forward and very mobile around the field like a flanker.

Mark is the son of John Prime a former 2ND & 3rd XV captain in the late 70’s and early 80’s.

David Chivers – 2nd Row

David was an accomplished 2nd XV lock whose enthusiasm on and off the field made him a popular Ath player. He was good in the line out and around the field.

Mark Rees S/H or O/H

Mark Is the son of Glyn Rees one of the founders of the M&J in 1989 and a committeeman and youth secretary. He played for the newly formed U12 age group in that season.

He captained the youth team in season 1996– 1997. He could play well in both half back positions and was the main goal kicker for the youth side.

He then played several seasons for the 2nd XV. In season 2000-2001 made 16 Apps, 2 Tries and 113 points. Also scored a further known 55 points seasons 2001-2003 when no official 2nd XV records.

Neil Vaughan – Centre

Neil captained the youth seasons 1994-96 and moved from youth to play mainly 2nd XV rugby. He was a good leader on the field well respected by his coaches and was a strong centre in both attack and defence. Season 2003-2004 scored 9 tries in 13 2nd XV Apps.

 

 

There doesn't appear to be any tagged photos.

Upload and Tag Photos

Comment
You must be signed in to add comments
Comments
|