News

The newly promoted Ath Youth started the second half of their season, now in Ospreys Div B,  with a hard earned win against a very strong Kenfig Hill Youth team at Newbridge Fields.

The game started at a cracking pace with both teams trying to run the ball at each other at every opportunity. Kenfig Hill were first to score when their wing broke through just inside the Ath 10 metre line, powering his way forward and drawing full back Callum Reed before offloading to a team mate to score in the corner, the conversion missed.

This then spurred the Ath on who looked to attack at every opportunity.  however the street wise Kenfig Hill forwards constantly managed to slow the ball down at rucks preventing the Ath from playing their natural game. Scrum Half Josh Tidy was getting extremely frustrated as their pack were being allowed to drag him into rucks which meant the Ath backs were living off scraps of possession.

However, every time the Ath had possession they looked extremely dangerous. From a ruck 30 metres out, quick hands by outside half Joe Watts saw him feed Callum Reed who, in turn fed winger Rhys Hyde. Hyde still had plenty to do but used his pace and strength to crash over for a well-deserved try in the corner. The conversion narrowly missed by Watts.

The Ath continued to pile on the pressure with their driving lineout causing Kenfig Hill no end of problems. The Ath were frustratingly, twice dragged down just short of the line, preventing certain tries.

Back came Kenfig Hill, aided by a massive penalty count against the Ath, who were mystified by some decisions. One such penalty awarded in front of the posts saw the Kenfig Hill full back slot home a penalty for a half time lead to Kenfig Hill of 8-5.

The second half saw the Ath make numerous changes, however continued with the same momentum and looked to attack from everywhere. A quick pass from centre Tom Reed to fellow centre Danny Osarigie saw him burst through only to be tackled just short of the line, and somehow Kenfig Hill managed to prevent the Ath winning the resulting ruck allowing them to clear their lines.

However, a short while later, the Ath were awarded their second penalty of the game in front of the posts. They declined the kick at goal and instead kicked to the corner. A great take from Harrison Morgan saw the Ath again set up a driving maul. This time there was no stopping it and Man of the Match Ben Owen powered his way over the line. Joe Watts then narrowly missed the conversion, due to his standing foot slipping just as he struck the ball.

Kenfig Hill, again came back at the Ath piling on the pressure and again aided by a growing penalty count. However, the Ath defence, with flankers Ryan Neagle and Sion Vigus quite outstanding; and all the forwards and backs tackling their hearts out, saw Kenfig Hill remain scoreless in the second half. Scrum half Thom Lewis kicking the ball off the field in injury time signalled the final whistle.

This was a very well deserved, hard earned win against a very strong Kenfig Hill outfit, and the coaches are extremely proud of the commitment and ability showed by all 22 players who took the field. They can now look forward to the rest of the season in League 2 with a huge amount of confidence for such a young Youth team.