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Section 1 Overview – of each Team from 1sts to M&J & General Club information during 2005-2010. For detailed account read sections 2 Playing Records, 3 Player Profiles & 4 Ath Officials following overview.

The club’s decision to set up a Mini & Junior Section in 1989 was now bearing fruit with the Youth and senior teams over 90% loaded with home grown players. The group continued to thrive and had a successive period winning may Ospreys Cups at Mini Level as well as many tournaments at all age groups of Mini & Junior. See M&J section. In 2006-2007 the M&J U8-U16 won a combined 26 Cups Ospreys & Tournaments with a combined Playing Record P 304 W275 D 11 L19 PF 5119 PA 844. The U15’S & U9’s went through that season undefeated.

 The first player to come through its ranks and gain full International honours was Lee Byrne, who won the first of his 46 Caps in 2005-2006 against New Zealand and won a British Lions Cap in 2009.

In this2005-2010 period 10 of their former players gained Wales U18 or U19 Caps, including in season 2005-2006 filling positions 5,6,7,8 & 9 in the same Wales U18 team through Kyle Maiden, Jonathan Jones (Capt), Lee Sims, Haloti Molitika & Rhys Webb. Others included Luke Hathaway, Tom Williams, Lloyd Peers (now Ashley) Tom Habberfield and Matthew Morgan. Webb, Hathaway, Williams, and Maiden were in the Wales U19 World Cup Squad of 2006-2007.

Main M&J Committee during this period were Chairman Roy Minifey, Vice Chairman Tony Bennett, Treasurer Alan Blaney and Secretary & Tour Organiser Mandy Pickford succeeded by Angela Bennett.

The 1^st XV in season 2005-2006 elected its youngest ever club captain hooker Simon Mustoe who led for 4 seasons, until Wales U18 Cap prop Rhodri Jones was elected season 2009-2010. Coaches Huw Hathaway & David Williams appointed in 2003-2004 remained until end season 2007-2008 when Huw stepped down and Paul Yardley & John Apsee joined David as the new coaching team. Current Team Manager Paul Hearne started the same season, replacing Wayne Yardley. Huw a former Wales District Cap received Club Life Membership at the 2007-2008 POY Night.

The 1^st XV had a topsy turvy existence between 2005-2010 with promotions and relegations between Div 2 West and Div 1 West a regular theme. In 2005-2006 the team regained its status in Div 1 West as Runners Up from Div 2 West. 2006-2007 saw a respectable 4^th place, but in 2007-2008 they were relegated back to Div 2 West. 2008-2009 saw a return to Div 1 West as Champions of Div 2 West. In 2009-2010 they finished 5^th in Div 1 West and remained there until their results 2009-2012 saw them elevated to compete in a new Championship League. In 2006-2007 and 2008-2009 they reached the 5^TH Round of the Konica Minolta Cup and then in 2008-2009 reached the same stage of the then Swalec Cup losing as in 1990-1991 to Swansea.

The 2^nd XV was captained and managed throughout 2015-2010 by son and father Liam and Tony Griffiths, with Peter Barry & John Doherty assisting some seasons. In 2005-2006 they were District Cup Finalists losing 6-13 to Bryncethin and Runners up in that District Division 1 League. 2006-2007 saw them Div 1 District League Champions. 2008-2009 saw the team win the double District League Champions & District Cup Winners, beating Tondu in both finals – 10-6 in League Play Off and 9-7 in Cup, 2009-2010 saw them retain their District Cup defeating Bridgend Sports 30-10.

The Youth team had 11 Wales U18 / U19 Internationals in this period as described in the opening paragraphs with Phillip Price joining the Youth team becoming the tenth.

International and Ospreys Regional call often severely hampered the Youth fielding its potentially strongest team, so the strength in depth of the squad was responsible for their greatest successful 5-year period in Ath history

2005-2010 saw the Youth win the Welsh District Cup twice and the Welsh League Play Offs twice. 2008-2009 saw the youth go undefeated in a double season. 2005-2006 led by Sean Williams won the District Cup defeating Pencoed 27-8 & Leco (Italy) Tournament. 2006-2007 led by David Price was the first time Ath won the Webb Ellis Welsh Cup beating Waunarlwydd 26-3, and also won the District Cup defeating Tondu 35-0, and retained the Leco (Italy) Tournament as well as Ospreys Premier League Champions. The 2007-2008 team shared District Cup drawing 11-11 with Tondu. 2008-2009 was an undefeated season led for second season by Ben Howe. That season the team won the Welsh League & Cup Double beating Merthyr 13-6 & Whitland 30-18 – both at the Millennium Stadium. They were Ospreys Premier League Winners as well as District Cup Winners defeating Porthcawl 50-0 with Ben Howe crossing for 4 tries in the opening 20 minutes. 2009-2010 led by Stuart Edbrooke they won the Welsh League defeating Glamorgan Wanderes 17-10, gaining revenge for their only defeat that season to the Wanderers by 16-21 in the Welsh Cup Semi Final. Not a bad achievement for the Youth with 1 defeat in 2 seasons. They were also Ospreys Premier League Champions and defeated Tondu 22-6 to win the District Cup.

Coaches during this period were 2005-2007 Mark Davies, Phil Rees, Steve Penry Ellis, 2007-2008 Phil Rees, Anthony Woodward.2008-2009 Anthony Woodward, Mark Watts. 2009-2010 Mark Watts, Phil Rees.

2008-2010 also saw the Youth with enough players to form 2^nd string sides called the Rags, with Phil Rees and Brian Powell assisting coaching, and competing in a lower level of the Ospreys Leagues. Sean Derrick captained the first ever Rags side finishing Runners Up in their District League, and the 2009-2010 won the District Plate defeating Maesteg 17-7 in the final.

2005-2006 season saw the team and club suffer a double blow when one of its founder Members and a huge ongoing influence at the Athletic Jeff Jenkins died on his 70^th birthday in November. Then tragically the previous season’s POY and Most Improved Player Daryl Dyke succumbed to what is thought meningitis in December. See Daryl’s Player Profile end of report. His final game was a 35-26 surprise Swalec Cup win against Newbridge. All sections of the club now award at their respective POY Presentation Daryl Dyke Memorial Awards donated by his father and Ath sponsor Richard Dyke.

2009 saw Barrie Morris father of club legend Stuart also die. Barrie served the club for over 30 years fulfilling roles as Treasurer Fixture Secretary, Club Statistician from 1982-2001and worked tirelessly behind the scenes doing almost every job from jersey care to cooking for midweek teams like Pool & Darts. Barrie and his wife Eilian would make sandwiches and peel large quantities of potatoes to feed the players after training. He was also continually active on the District fulfilling many duties including Referee’s Organiser& Treasurer for over 20 years. There is a Barrie Morris District Plate Cup competed for each season in his memory.

The club finances were now stable and current club treasurer Terry Coles succeeded Steve Harries as Treasurer in 2006, relinquishing his role as Club Chairman. Terry received Club Life Membership during this era.

 Graham Glendenning of Glennsports a former Ath Player who went on 1988 World Tour became the Official Club photographer providing great quality match, team, and Presentation photos for over 10 years. A Bridgend Tech pupil Kerry Fothergill requested taking some Ath training photos for a project and ended up also taking quality Ath match pics for several years – particularly away games when Graham could not travel.

Adrian Burt continued as Press Officer, Statistician and Web Administrator and was awarded Club Life Membership at the 2008-2009 Presentation Evening.

Financing the running of the club playing side from Jerseys to travel is a major financial challenge and we are incredibly grateful to all our sponsors large and small and Gold & Silver Vice Presidents for their ongoing support. Main Sponsors during this period.: J.H.Apsee & Sons,KPMG, Microcompass, David Perry of Church Village Travel, David Little, JG Plant, Players John Naisbitt of Cotacabins, Chris Williams of Spring Engineering, Friends of Bridgend Athletic administered by David Burt, Gareth L Edwards (Estate Agents), Ward Jones of Ward Jones (Bridgend) Ltd.

Section 2 - Club Playing Records 2005-2010

1^st XV 2005-2006 – Div 2 West

DIVISION 2 WEST – RUNNERS UP – PROMOTED TO DIV 1 WEST

Captain Simon Mustoe. Coaches Huw Hathaway, David Williams. Team Manager Wayne Yardley

POY Chris Whitcombe, Inaugural Daryl Dyke Memorial Award Tylan Mafi, Club Person of Year – M&J Secretary Mandy Pickford

Simon Mustoe at 21 years became the youngest ever Ath Club Captain when selected by Coaches Huw Hathaway and David Williams. The team and club suffered a double blow when one of its founder Members and a huge ongoing influence at the Athletic Jeff Jenkins died on his 70^th birthday in November. Then tragically the previous season’s POY and Most Improved Player Daryl Dyke succumbed to what is thought meningitis in December. Daryl’s Player Profile was in 2000-2005 report. His final game was a 35-26 surprise Swalec Cup win against Newbridge.

Following Daryl’s passing the club did not play for a few weeks, creating an end of season backlog when the team put together an end of season 10 league games winning sequence to secure promotion with a penultimate game 90-7 home win over Tonmawr on the Bandstand Field. Wing Rhodri Davies joined Jeff Lynn, Rob Harry & Kelvin Leyshon as top try scorer in a match with his 6 tries.

League: P26 W 20 L6 PF 775 PA 465 TF TA

Overall: P 31 W24 L7 PF 942 PA 567 TF 121 TA 70

League Wins: Banwen 45-19, Kidwelly 17-15 & 20-17, Gorseinon 20-13, Felinfoel 33-9, Mumbes 34 -24 & 22-3, Seven Sisters 29-26 & 62-22, Pontyberem 20-6 & 22-15, Corus 20-13 & 20-13, Carmarthe Athletic 23-20 & 45-27, Dunvant 37-22, Maesteg Quins 38-16 & 45-11, Tonmawr 35-10 & 90-7.

League Losses: Lloughor 21-34 & 19-32, Banwen 6-9, Gorseinon 10-30, Felinfoel 14-16, Dunvant 21-38

Cup: Newbridge 35-26

Friendlies: Treorchy 36-12, Llanharan 15-46, Newport Saracens 26-24, Trinant 55-14

Most Apps: Steven Lewis 30, Simon Mustoe 30, Robert Coles, Chris Whitcombe 28, Dan Apsee, Wayne Fooks, Ardi Tollentino 27, Rod Jones (prop) 26, Neil Thomas 25, Kyle Coulter 24, Ryan James 24, Carl Gregory 23, John Doherty 22, Matthew Bennett, Jonathan Stoker 21, Tylan Mafi, Stuart Kenny 19, Stuart Morris 18, Rhodri Davies, John Nation 14, Gareth Bartlett 12, Carle Ellis 11, Adrian Phillips 9, Simon Cole, Justin Purnell 7, Daryl Dyke, John Naisbitt 6.

Most Tries: Robert Coles 20, Rhodri Davies 15, Steven Lewis 13, Tylan Mafi 12, Ardi Tollentino 11, Simon Mustoe 9, Matthew Bennet 7, Stuart Morris 5.

Most Points: Stuart Morris 254 (5T, 53C,41P), Steven Lewis 169 (13T, 28C,10P,6DG), Robert Coles 100 (20T), Rhodri Davies 75 (15T).

1^st XV 2006-2007 – Div 1 West

4^TH in Div 1 West

5^TH Round Konica Minolta Cup

Captain Simon Mustoe Coaches Huw Hathaway, David Williams

P21, W16, D1, L6 PF 686, PA 539

Results Available

League Wins: Dunvant 30-16 & 18-14, Narbeth 31-10, Waunarlwydd 23-21, Loughor 21-17, Builth Wells 30-0, Carmarthen Quins 36-14, Narbeth 24-7, Merthyr 8-7, Cwmllynfell 24-9, Loughor 15-14, Llangennech 34-7

League Draw: Waunarlwydd 25-25

League Losses: Cwmllynfell 8-32, Llangennech 10-24, Bonymaen 28-57, Whitland 9-10,

Cup: 2 Byes, 3^RD Rd. Abertysswg 60-10, Fleur de Lys 26-17, Maesteg 15-47.

Friendlies: Ystrad Rhondda 21-8, Caerphilly 64-12.

Most Apps: Simon Mustoe 24, Dan Apsee, Robert Coles 23, Steven Lewis 22, Rhodri Davies 21, Mark Bennett, Stuart Morris, Carle Gregory, Neil Thomas, Chris Whitcombe 20, Andrew Brown 18, Sean Williams, Jonathan Stoker 17, Matthew Hillman, Stuart Kenny 16, John Doherty, Wayne Fooks, Ryan James, Tom Goodwin 14, Kyle Coulter, Kyle Maiden 13, Jonathan Jones 12, Ardi Tollentino, Tom Hearne 11, Carle Ellis, John Naisbitt, Ronnie Webb 6, Rod Jones, Tylan Mafi 5, Nick Hinton 4, Luke Hathaway 3.

Most Tries: Rhodri Davies 14, Mark Bennett, Robert Coles 13, Steven Lewis 7, Tylan Mafi 5.

Most Points: Stuart Morris 166 (2T, 33C,30P), Steven Lewis 92 (7T, 15C,6P,3DG) Rhodri Davies 70, Mark Bennett 68, Robert Coles 65.

1^ST XV 2007-2008 – Div 1 West

Relegated to Div 2 West

Captain Simon Mustoe, Coaches Huw Hathaway, David Williams

POY Matthew Hillman, Daryl Dyke Memorial Award Adam Evans, Club Person of Year Bob Lewis

League P 22 W5 D1 L16 PF 330 PA 463 TF 32 TA 59 BP 11 Pts 33.

Overall P 28 W6 D1 L21 PF 435 PA 601 TF 42 TA 79

League Wins: Whitland 16-11 & 26-6, Bonymaen 23-16, Merthyr 20-17, Dunvant 27-15,

League Draws: Waunarlwydd 19-19

League Losses. Tonmawr 13-19 & 0-29, Carmarthen Quins 6-31 & 9-45, Llangennech 13-19 & 16-24, Cwmllynfell 26-32 & 16-17, Waunarlwydd 19-21, Narbeth 20-24 & 20-34, Dunvant 3-10, Bonymaen 12-29, Merthyr 17-22, Corus 17-18 & 11-24

Swalec Cup: Pontypool Utd 41-15, Newport Saracens 12-19.

Friendlies: Llanelli 10-33, Caerphilly 13-24 & 26-32, Pontypool 3-15.

Most Apps: Wayne Fooks, Matthew Hillman, Steven Lewis, Stuart Morris, Simon Mustoe, Sean Williams 27, Simon Evans, Chris Whitcombe 25, Dan Apsee 24, Hywel Davies 22, Scott Robinson 19, Kyle Coulter, Rhodri Davies, Tylan Mafi 18, Tom Penry-Ellis, Stuart Nation 16, Andrew Brown, Tom Goodwin, Jonathan Stoker 15, Kyle Maiden 13, Lee Sims 10, Robert Coles, Carle Gregory, Nick Hinton, S.Chappel, Carle Ellis, David Pritchard 8, Lindsay McCausland 7, Stuart Kenny 6.

Most Tries: Simon Evans 8, Steven Lewis, Scott Robinson 4, Rhodri Davies, Stuart Morris 3.

Most Points: Stuart Morris 238 (5T, 26C,57P), Steven Lewis 41 (4T,3C,2P, 3 DG), Simon Evans 40 (8T).

1^st XV Season 2008-2009 – Div 2 West

Promoted to Div 1 West – Champions Div 2 West

Reached 5^th Round Swalec Cup losing to Swansea 7-35.

Captain Simon Mustoe: Head Coach Paul Yardley, Backs Coach John Apsee. Team Manager Paul Hearne.

Jeff Jenkins POY Trophy – Sean Williams, Best Back Lindsay McCausland, Daryl Dyke Most Improved Player Jamie Doherty

League: Played 22 Won 16 Lost 6 PF 503 PA 3-3 TF 67 TA 32 BP 14 Pts 78

Overall: P29 W22 L7 PF 788 PA 396 TF 109 TA 43

League Wins: Pencoed 10-3, Mumbles 27-10 & 18-0, Waunarlwydd 44-15, Kidwelly 36-13 & 27-19, Penclawdd 26-25 & 38-3, BP Llandarcy 29-3 & 20-18, Builth Wells 9-7, Gorseinon 31-8 & 33-7, Cwmavon 24-18 & 41-3, Loughor 37-15

League Losses: Ammanford 7-13 & 20-25, Loughor 13-15, Pencoed 16-26, Waunarlwydd 17-20, Builth Wells 0-37,

Swalec Cup: Cardiff Medicals 50-0, New Dock Stars 56-9, Caernarvon 22-18, Chepstow 72-3, Swansea 7-35.

Friendlies: Ynysybwl 19-14, Abergavenny 38-14

Most Apps: Simon Mustoe – All 29 games, Hywel Davies 28, Jamie Doherty, Wayne Fooks, Sean Williams 27, Dan Apsee, Lindsay McCausland, Stuart Morris 26, Robert Coles, Tim Lunn 25, Jonathan Stoker, Chris Whitcombe 23, Rhodri Davies 19, Jason Davies, Nick Hinton 18, Luke Hopper 17, Simon Evans, Lee Sims 14, John Natiob 10, Carle Ellis , Matthew Hillman 9, Tom Goodwin, Rod Jones, Alun Miniffey 8, Matthew Norman 7.

Most Tries: Robert Coles 17, Lindsay McCausland 11, Nick Hinton, Stuart Morris 9, Simon Evans 8, Simon Mustoe 7, Luke Hopper, John Nation 6, Rhodri Davies 5, Hywel Davies, Lee Sims 4.

Most Points: Stuart Morris 239 – 9T, 55C, 28P, Robert Coles 85, Lindsay MaCausland 55.

1^ST XV 2009-2010 – Div 1 West

5^th in Div 1 West

Captain Wales U18 Cap Prop Rhodri Jones Coaches Director of Coaching Paul Yardley, John Apsee, David Williams. Team Manager Paul Hearne.

POY Tom Morgan, Daryl Dyke Memorial Award Aled Thomas, Club Person Year Neil Minchington.

League P22 W12 D1 L9 PF 415 PA 412 TF 49 TA 46 BP 8 Pts 58

Overall P27 W15 D1 L11 PF 508 PA 489 TF 61 TA 53

Most Apps: Lindsay McCausland, Dan Apsee 25, Sean Williams 24, Robert Coles, Jamie Doherty, Simon Mustoe 23, Rhodri Jones, Tom Penry-Ellis 22. Tom Morgan, Matthew Norman 21, Steven Lewis 20, Hywel Davies, Stuart Morris 19, Carle Gregory, Matthew Hillman, Aled Thomas 16, Rhodri Davies, Chris Whitcombe 15, David Price, Wayne Fooks 10, Luke Hopper, John Nation 9, Tom Goodwin, Michael Hathaway, Jonathan Jones 8, Adrian Phillips 7, Stuart Kenny 5, Ben Howe, Nick Hinton, James Olds, C.McDonald, Shaun Owen, Marcus Sainsbury, Jonathan Stoker 4, John Doherty, Nathan Holman, Rhys Hollyman, Matthew Morgan, A Warner 3.

Most Tries: Robert Coles, Lindsay McCausland,Steve Lewis 5 Sean Williams, Tom Morgan, Aled Thomas 4, Dan Apsee, Rhodri Davies, Stuart Nation 3.

Most Points: Steven Lewis 116 (5T,20C,16P,1DG), Stuart Morris 97 (20C, 19P)

2^nd XV 2005-2006 – District League

District Cup Finalists (Lost Bryncethin 6-13)

Runners Up District League

Captain Liam Griffiths Team Manager Tony Griffiths.

League P14 W12 L1 D1 PF 402 PA 152TF 61 TA 24.

Overall P 22 W 16 L5 D1 PF 636 PA 364 TF 98 TA 55

League Wins: Maesteg Celtic 45-12, Heol Y Cyw 10-7 & 41-14, Wick 12-5 & 21-17, Glyncorrwg 52-15, Pencoed 40-0 & 26-22, Porthcawl 54-3 & 36-17, Kenfig Hill 22-17, Tondu 26-10.

League Losses: Bryncethin 12-19. League Draws: Pontycymmer 15-15.

District Cup: Pontycymmer 31-13, Bryncethin 6-13.

Friendlies: Cardiff HSOB 12-43, Baglan 40-5, Pentyrch 54-13, Rhydyfelin 12-40, Mumbles 19-49, Porthcawl 50-19.

Most Apps: Tom Goodwin, Steve Lyons 21, Adrian Kelly, Paul Miles 19, Rhys Jones 18, Liam Griffiths 16, Rhys James 15, Robert Howell (Jones), Huw Morris 14, Darren Williams 13, Karl David, Andrew West 12, Rhodri Davies, Sean Gray 11, Nigel Hemmings 10, David Doherty, John Nation 8, Ben James 7, Andrew Tellem 6, Peter Barry, Kyle Coulter, Hywel Davies, John Doherty, Carle Ellis, Stuart Kenny, Simon Stoker 5.

Most Tries: Rhodri Davies 16, Steve Lyons 15, Paul Miles 8, Tom Goodwin, Tylan Mafi 5.

Most Points: Paul Miles 144 (8T, 46C,4P), Rhodri Davies 80 (16T), Steve Lyons 75 (15T)

2^ND XV 2006-2007 – Division 1 District League

League Champions

Captain Liam Griffiths Coach Tony Griffiths

P 21 W15, L6, PF 672 PA 332

Available Results

League Wins: Heol Y Cyw 77-0, Pencoed 47-5 & 23-17. Maesteg Quins 52-24,

League Losses: Llanharan 22-31,

Cup: Nantyfyllon 24-10, Maesteg Quins 5-14,

Friendlies: St Peters 29-10, Aberavon Quins 48-19, Sully Sports 24-17, Bedwas 12-20, Tonna 36-0, Wattstown 26-5.

Most Apps: Only Available until 20/01/07. Jamie Doherty, Adrian Kelly, Paul Miles 12, Chris Borland 10, Liam Griffiths, Nick Hinton Stephen Hughes, Rhys Jones 9, Andrew West, Andrew Tyler 8, Peter Barry, Jason Davies, Nigel Hemmings, Lindsay McCausland, Chris Thomas 7, Will Alston, Kurt Dent, Lee Grabham, Robert Howell (Jones), Steve Lyons, Chris McGrath 6, Lewis Dando, Carle Ellis, Sean Gray 4, Dave Doherty, Carl Tozer 4, Gareth Bartlett, John Doherty 3.

Most Tries: Chris Thomas 10, Nick Hinton 8, Stephen Hughes, Lee Grabham 5, Carl Tozer 4, Paul Miles 3.

Most Points: Paul Miles 120 (3T, 42C, 6P, 1DG), Chris Thomas 50 (10T), Nick Hinton 40 (8T)

2^nd XV Season 2007-2008 - District League

S.F District League Play Off – Lost Tondu 19-20

Captain Liam Griffiths Team Manager & Coach Tony Griffiths. Assistant Coaches Peter Barry, John Doherty.

League P10 W5 L5 PF 232 PA 165 TF 34 TA 23

Overall P19 W11 L8 PF 452 PA 279 TF 49 TA 39

League Wins: Tondu 14-5, Wick 27-10 & 68-12, Maesteg Quins 35-3, Llanharan 17-10

League Losses: Pencoed 7-21 & 7-16, Llanharan 17-23, Tondu 21-45, S.F Playoff Tondu 19-20.

Cup: Maesteg Quins 24-7, Pontycymmer 6-10.

Friendlies: Bedwas 14-27 & 19-10, Abercynon 5-24, Caerphilly 6-3, Maesteg Celtic 29-19, Treherbert 27-14, Cwmavon 27-0.

Most Apps: All games Jamie Doherty, Liam Griffiths 19, Paul Miles 18, Will Alston 16, Adrian Kelly, Andrew West 15, Steve Lyons, Stephen Hughes, Chris McGrath 14, Dean Greenslade 13, Nigel Hemminggs, 10, Carl Moody, Nick Hinton9, Huw Morris, Rhodri Jones, John Doherty, Carle Ellis 8, Jason Davies, Tom Howell, K.Williams 7, Chris Thomas,Robert Howell (Jones), 6  Tom Penry – Ellis, K.Williams 5.

Most Tries: Nick Hinton, Will Alton 8, Stephen Hughes, Carle Ellis 4, Adrian Kelly, Andrew West, Tom Penry-Ellis 3. Jamie Doherty, Rhodri Davies 2.

Most Points: Paul Miles 106 (1T, 31C, 12P,1DG), Will Alston, Nick Hinton 40 (8T)

2^nd XV Season 2008-2009 - District League

District League Winners – Tondu 10-6 Play Off Final

District Cup Winners – Tondu 9-7 Cup Final

Captain Liam Griffiths. Team Manager Tony Griffiths.

POY Forward Tom Howells – 1^ST year in seniors.

Club Person of Year Liam Griffiths for Playing and Off field work including organising Club Tour to Spain.

League: P11 W8 L2 D1 PF 308 PA 174 TF 42 TA 17   Pts 35

Overall: P16 W13 L2 D1 PF 458 PA 217 TF 65 TA 23

League Wins: Nantyfyllon 47-7 & 56-6, Maesteg Quins 34-32, Tondu 23-8 & 14-8, Pencoed 48-7, Kenfig Hill 27-5, Llanharan 36-12

District League Final 10-6

League Losses: Pencoed 5-37, Tonmawr 9-23

League Draws: Llanharan 28-28

Cup: Final Tondu 9-7

Friendlies: Treorchy 44-14, Tonmawr 9-23, Llantwit Major 20-7, Gilfach Goch 50-10.

Most Apps: Liam Griffiths all 16 games, Tom Howells 15, Adrian Kelly 13, Aled Guy, Nigel Hemmings, Stuart Kenny, Chris McGrath 12, Richard Dyke, Huw Morris, Shaun Owen, Chris Thomas, Gareth Thomas 11, Owen Davies, Lee Grabham, Andrew Tyler 9, Gareth Bartlett, Simon Stoker 8, Carle Ellis, John Nation 7.

Most Tries: Richard Dyke, Chris Thomas 7, Shaun Owen 5, Gareth Bartlett, Simon Stoker 4, Carle Ellis, John Nation, Owen Davies, Chris McGrath 3.

Most Points: Shaun Owen 131 (5T, 26C,18P), Richard Dyke, Chris Thomas 35.

2^nd XV 2009-2010 – District League

District Cup Winners – Beat Bridgend Sports 30-10.

Captain Liam Griffiths, Team Manager Tony Griffiths

League P10 W6 D1 L3 PF 284 TA 139 TF 37 TA 16 BP 4 Pts 30

Overall P19 W13 D1 L5 PF 657 PA 268 TF 90 TA 34

District Cup: Brackla 75-7, Maesteg Quins 43-0, Final Bridgend Sports 30-10.

League Wins: Kenfig Hill 68-3, Tondu 36-13 & 23-10, Llanharan 19-10, Pencoed 32-12 & 53-0,

League Draw: Tonmawr 22-22. League Losses: Tonmawr 8-27, Llanhara 15-23, Kenfig Hill 10-20.

Friendlies: UWIC 21-27, Bryn Wdrs 36-6, Neath Athletic 61-32, Bedwas 14-21, Penygraig 16-8

Most Apps: Liam Griffiths 15, Tom Cole, Carle Ellis, Aled Guy, Callum McCleod 14, Nathan Holman 13, Stuart Kenny, Chris Harries 10, Rhys Jones, Chris McGrath, Nick Hinton 9, Wayne Fooks, C McDonald, John Nation, Chris Thomas, Andrew Tyler 8, C.Cadogan, Tom Howell 7, Ben Howe, Lloyd Pemberton 6, L Jenkins, Huw Morris, Lee Sims 5, Gareth Bartlett, Tom Goodwin, Matthew Hillman, Aled Thomas, G.Thomas, Lee Davies, John Doherty, Lee Grabham, Ian Holman, Jonathan Jones, Adrian Kelly, Paul Obbard, A.Warner 3.

Most Tries: Lloyd Pemberton 9, Nick Hinton, John Nation 7, Ben Howe 5, Aled Guy 4, Carle Ellis, David Price, Aled Thomas 3.

Most Points: Tom Cole 122 (1T, 27C,21P), Lloyd Pemberton 45 (9T), Carle Ellis 39 (3T,12C), John Nation 37 (7T,1C)

Youth 2005-2010

Youth 2005 – 2006 – Ospreys Premier League

Winners District Cup Final – Ath 27 Pencoed 8 (At Old Parish, Maesteg)

Winners Lecco (Italy) Tournament

Captain Sean Williams Coaches Phil Rees, Mark Davies, Steve Penry-Ellis. Team Manager Keith Thomas. POY Matthew Hillman.

Review from POY Night May 2006. The 2005-2006 side captained by Sean Williams (Boys Club of Wales Cap) had an excellent season culminating in them winning the District Cup beating Pencoed 27-8 in the final at Maesteg. They toured Italy entering and winning the Lecco Tournament.

Five of the squad represented Wales at Under 18 level filling the 5 Kyle Maiden, 6 Jonathan Jones (Capt), 7 Lee Sims, 8 Haloti Molitika, 9 Rhys Webb in the same Wales fixture.

Rhys Webb and Matthew Hillman toured America with the Crawshay Youth Team and 14 of the squad played for the Ospreys Regional Squad during the season. 8 of the squad represented the Ospreys in defeating the Scarlets in the Regions Cup Final.

Overall: P 23, W 15, D2, L6 PF 466, PA 240.

League Wins: Pencoed 3-0, Glynneath 8-3, Maesteg 23-7, Bonymaen 7-5. League Draws: Glynneath 14-14, Maesteg 18-18. League Losses: Mumbles 13-17 & 19-31, Pencoed 3-9.

Welsh Cup: Carmarthen Quins 25-16, Rumney 0-13.

District Cup: Nantymoel 54-5, Pontycymmer 57-3, Final Pencoed 27-8.

Friendlies: Treorchy 36-12, Llanharan 15-46, Newport Saracens 26-24, Trinant 55-14, Aberavon G.S. 31-5, Baglan 5-0, Old Illtydians 52-0, Newport HSOB 13-7. Llanharan 6-24.

Squad: Sean Williams (Capt), Luke Hathaway, Ian Hearne, Lindsay MaCausland, Shaun Owens, Lewis Dando, Mike Weedon, Craig Chalmers, Carl Davies, Tom Cole, Jason Davies, David Price, Chris Thomas, Simon Evans, Andrew Smith, David Pritchard, Morgan Davies, Nick Hinton, Haloti Molitika, Tom Penry-Ellis, Kyle Maiden, Dean Greenslade, Jonathan Jones, Scott Baldwin, Alun Minifey, Nathan Townley.

Youth XV 2006-2007 – Ospreys Premier League

Webb Ellis Welsh Cup Winners – Final Waunarlwydd 26-3

Ospreys Premier League Champions

District Cup Winners – Final Tondu 35-0

Winners of Leco (Italy)Tournament

Captain Jonathon Jones & David Price. Coaches Mark Davies, Phil Rees, Steve- Penry Ellis

Played 28 Won 24 Drew 1 Lost 3 PF 722 PA 275

The first Ath Youth side to win the Welsh Youth Cup beating Waunarlwydd 26-3 in the final. They also won the Ospreys Premier League and outgunned Tondu to win the District Cup. They the went on tour to Italy and successfully defended the Lecco Tournament Cup won the season before by Sean Williams Team.

Against Waunarlwydd despite being outgunned up front the Athletic led 11-3 at half time through a Scott Baldwin try. As the game went on the Ath’s fitness prevailed and two late tries by David Pritchard and Craig Chalmers sealed the win. Scott Robinson weighed in with a conversion and 3 penalties. 6 players in the Waunarlwydd win had played for Ath from age 7 through to 19. They were- Jonny Jones, Shaun Owens, Tom Penry-Ellis, Morgan Davies, Tom Cole, and Kyle Maiden. Photo in pics section. With Johnny & Kyle being capped. A great advert for M&J.

4 players who had come through the M&J and Youth sections were selected for the Wales U19 World Cup Squad Rhys Webb, Luke Hathaway, Phillip Price and Tom Williams, while Kyle Maiden was on standby.

Jack Shaw was capped at Wales U18 level.

Webb Ellis Welsh Youth Cup Team: 15 Tom Cole, 14 Michael Hathaway, 13 Nick Hopson, 12 Scott Robinson (3 Pens, 1 con), 11 Shaun Owens, 10 Simon Evans, 9 David Pritchard (Try), 8 Morgan Davies, 7 Ben Howe, 6 Jonathan Jones, 5 Kyle Maiden, 4 Tom Penry-Ellis, 3 Alun Minifey, 2 Scott Baldwin (Try), 1 David Price (Capt). Replacements From: Craig Chalmers (Try), Phillip Price, Matthew Norman, Dean Greenslade, Josh Bradford, Nathan Holman, Lewis Davies, Chris Price, Levi Jenkins, Ashley Smith, Stuart Allen, Louis Jones, Rhys Hollyman.

League Wins: Maesteg 32-10 & 24-13, Trebanos 64-12, Pencoed 20-10 & 22-0, Dunvant 41-10 & 47-16, Bonymaen 22-8. League Losses: Bonymaen 16-18, Mumbles 20-27 & 22-28.

Welsh Cup Wins: Ynysybwl 33-7, Carmarthen Quins 10-0, S.F.  Merthyr 3-3, Replay 15-14, Final Wauarlwydd 26-3.

District Cup Wins. Pontycymmer w/o, Maesteg w/o. S. F. Pencoed 29-22, Final Tondu 35-0. Tries Nick Hopson 2, Shaun Owens, Tom Cole, Craig Chalmers, Cons 5 Scott Robinson.

Friendlies: Pontypool Utd 10-24, Merthyr 22-14, Beddau 35-11, Treorchy 68-5, Ystrad Rhondda 27-0, Carmarthen Quins 27-14, Llantrisant 5-0, Llanharan 18-14, Bedwas 12-5, Rhydyfelin 14-7.

Appearances: Tom Penry-Ellis 28, David Price, Simon Evans 27, Morgan Davies, Scott Baldwin, Michael Hathaway 26, Nick Hopson 25, Scott Robinson, David Pritchard Ben Howe, Ashley Smith 23, Nathan Holman 22, Lewis Davies 21, Matthew Norman 20, Dean Greenslade 19, Craig Chalmers 17, Shaun Owens 16, Stuart Allen 14, Josh Bradford 14, Alun Minifey 13, Nathan Townley, Chris Price 11, Louis Jones, Jonathan Jones 10, Kyle Maiden 9, Ian Hearne, Joe Morgans, Phil Price 6, Rhys Hollyman, Tom Cole 5, Lewis Taylor 4,Luke Yardley 3, Rhys Webb, Carl Davies, Jason Davies, Levi Jenkins, Tom Morgan 2, Tom Hicks 1.

Most Tries: Simon Evans 15, Shaun Owens 9, Tom Penry-Ellis 8, David Price, David Pritchard 7, Morgan Davies, Ben Howe, Ashley Smith, Craig Chalmers 5, Scott Baldwin, Michael Hathaway 4, Scott Robinson, Rhys Webb, Louis Jones 3, Ian Hearne 2.

Most Points: Scott Robinson 119, Nathan Townley 84, Simon Evans 79, Nich Hopson 42, Tom Penry-Ellis 40.

Youth XV 2007-2008 – Ospreys Premier League

District Cup Winners – Shared with Tondu 11-11

Qtr Finalists Welsh Cup – lost 7-13 to Bonymaen

Captain Ben Howe Coaches Phil Rees, Anthony Woodward. Team Manager Mark Davies.

POY Prop Lewis Davies. Best Back Full Back, Outside Half, Centre Michael Hathaway.

P26 W17 D1 L8 PF 622 PA 335 TF 89 TA 52

Ben Howe captained the team and the Ospreys Region U18 and was in contention for a U18 cap to add to his U16 cap before a shoulder injury ruled him out of contention. Lloyd Peers (Ashley) did play for Wales U18 in the 5 Nations – a great achievement in his first season of Youth rugby.

Some League Wins: Mumbles – Double, Maesteg Double, Pencoed – Double

Some League Defeats: Bonymaen Double, Waunarlwydd Double, Aberavon & District.

Welsh Cup: Pontypool Utd 22-6, Builth Wells 10-3, Qtr Final: Bonymaen 7-13.

District Cup Final: Tondu 11-11 – Try Matthew Norman, 2 DG Craig Baker. Played 2^ND half with 14 players after a player saw red and received a red card.

Squad: Lewis Davies played all 26 games, Michael Hathaway, James Old 24, Lloyd Evans 23, Ben Howe (Capt), Nathan Holman, Craig Baker, Grant Davies, Matthew Norman, Lloyd Peers (Ashley), James Olds, Aled Thomas, Tom Davies, Stuart Edbrooke, Luke Yardley, Adam Evans, Rhys Jones, Tom Williams, Tom Morgan, Alun Minifey.

Top Tries: Michael Hathaway 14, James Olds 10.

Youth XV 2008 – 2009 - Ospreys Premier League

League Champion of Wales – Defeated Merthyr 13-6 in Final May 16^th Millenium Stadium

Webb Ellis Welsh Cup Winners – Defeated Whitland 30-18 in Final April 18^th Millenium Stadium

District Cup Winners – Defeated Porthcawl 50-0 in Final  

Captain Ben Howe, Coaches Anthony Woodward, Mark Watts. Team Manager Phil Rees, Fixture Sec Mark Davies

POY Ben Howe, Best Back James Olds, Youth Clubman Robert Jones, Tom Morgan won Barrie Morris Memorial Award for Most Improved Youth Player.

Lloyd Peers (Ashley) and Matthew Morgan played for Wales U18 throughout the 5 Nations.

P21 W 19 D2 PF 653 PA 110 (Only 8 tries conceded)

Most Apps: Nathan Holman – all 21 games, Ben Howe, Callum McLeod, Tom Morgan Tom Davies, James Olds 20. Most Tries: Ben Howe & Michal Hathaway 13. Most Points: Tom Davies 101.

Ben Howe joint top try scorer with Michael Hathaway was elected player of the season, with James Olds best back. Ben was an outstanding player throughout his three seasons in youth – 2 as Captain and led the youth to an unbeaten season winning the Welsh Youth League and Cup Double, Ospreys League and District Cup for the seventh time in nine years.

Won Welsh Cup 18^th April at Millenium Stadium defeating Whitland 30-18 in the final – coming back from 6-15 down in 2^nd half. Both sides undefeated that season going into final, with Ath only conceding 1 try in 51/2 months prior to final – still case after final as all Whitland’s point penalties. Ath tries Luke Morgan set up by Michael Hathaway, Luke Yardley set up by James Olds, and replacement Lloyd Evans exerting pressure at a Waunarlwyyd scrum 5 metres from try line. Scrum half Tom Davies had a faultless day with the boot converting all 3 tries and adding 3 penalties for a haul of 15 points. Match Report.https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/other-sport/rugby-bridgend-athletic-youth-complete-2113329  

Later Rounds Welsh Cup:  Merthyr 8-0, Rumney 36-6, SF Blackwood 11-11 (Blackwood eliminated fielding ineligible player), Final Whitland 30-18.

Returned to Millenium Stadium 16^th May to complete Welsh Cup and League double defeating Merthyr 13-6. This was 4^th time that season Ath beat both them and their “passionate” fans. Try Full back Michael Hathaway, Con, 2 Pens scrum half Tom Davies. Match Report. https://www.wru.wales/2009/05/hathaway-provides-bridgend-athletic-spark/

 Blackwood were again our S.F. league opponents- this time there was no doubt with a 27-3 victory.

Team v Whitland: 15 Michael Hathaway, 14 Lewis Harrhy, 13 James Olds, 12 Luke Yardley, 11 Luke Morgan, 10 Craig Baker, 9 Tom Davies, 8 Tom Williams, 7 Ben Howe (Capt), 6 Tom Morgan, 5 Callum McCleod, 4 Adam Evans, 3 Rhodri Apsee, 2 Nathan Holman, 1 Lewis Davies Replacements From: Matthew Norman, Stuart Edbrooke, Morgan Evans, Lloyd Evans, Aled Thomas, Joe Morgans, Tom Habberfield.

The 4 Welsh Cup / Welsh League finals 2002-2003 2006-2007 and 2008-2009 all had a Davies brother playing. Backs Hywel and Rhodri in 2002-2003, Forwards Morgan and Lewis 2006-20007 and 2008-2009. Their father Mark was involved as coach, team manager or fixture Sec during these years.

Squad v Merthyr: As Whitland above and Rhys Jones, Lloyd Peers (now Ashley) & Matthew Morgan back from International duty.

District Cup Final: Porthcawl 50-0 – Ben Howe scored 4 tries in first 20 mins lifting Cup for 7^th time in 9 seasons.

2008-2009 BARFC Youth Rags

District League Runners Up

Semi Finalists District Cup

The club made history by fielding a second Youth side called “The Rags” for the first time. Competing in the Ospreys leagues they finished Runners Up – But were unable to complete their fixtures

Captain Sean Derrick, Coaches Phil Rees, Brian Powell, Anthony Woodward. Team Manager Neil Minchington. Physio David Murphy. Helpers John Derrick & Ian Peploe.

POY Sean Derrick, Best Back Mike Powell

P14 W10 PF 399 PA 217.

Top try scorer Sean Derrick 10 played in all games, with Tom Pary top points scorer with 71.

The Rags team nearly set up a District Final against the Ath A Team, but a narrow S.F. loss to Porthcawl prevented this. Though the A Team did exact revenge with a 50-0 Porthcawl drubbing in the Final.

Squad: Sean Derrick (Capt), Rob Jones, Matthew Hall, Alex Evans, Harry Griffiths, Nathan Moruzzi, Matthew Forward, Tom Parry, Kristian Smith, Rhys Evenden, Mike Powell, Sam Treharne, Alex Borley, Owain Evans, Sebastian Mellor, Mark Minchington, Ashley Matthews, Lee Murphy, Rhys Hollyman, Stuart Peploe.

Youth 2009-2010 – Ospreys Premier League

Welsh League Winners – Glamorgan Wanderers 17-10 (Tries J.Olds, S.Derrick, 2C,P Tom Davies)

Ospreys League Champions

District Cup Winners – Tondu – 22-6

Welsh Cup – Semi Finalists (lost Glamorgan Wanderers 16-21 Try Lloyd Evans, C,3P Tom Davies)

Captain Stuart Edbrooke, Coaches Mark Watts, Phil Rees (Also Team Manager)

P22 W21 L1 PF 849 PA 100 TF 124

League: Mumbles 53-0, Tondu 21-17 & 30-3, Bonymaen 24-3 & 39-7, Abercrave 24-0 & 50-0, Waunarlwydd 45-0 & 61-3,

Welsh League Play Offs: S.F. Penallta 53-3, Final Glamorgan Wanderers 17-10.

Welsh Cup: Carmarthen Quins 62-3, Rhyl 26-9, Ystradgynlais 55-0, Qtr Final Penallta 30-0, S.F. Glamorgan Wanderers 16-21.

District Cup: S.F. South Wales Police 60-6, Final Tondu 22-6.

Friendlies: Pontyclun 47-0 & 56-7, Taibach 43-0, Maesteg 15-0,

Team went through season undefeated except loss to Glamorgan Wanderers in Semi Final of Welsh Cup, after defeating Penallta 30-0 in the Qtr Final.

 Without Internationals Matthew Morgan & Lloyd Peers and 3 top players injured the Wanderers game controversially ended a 2-year unbeaten run by the Youth. With the Ath leading 16-14 through a Lloyd Evans try and con and 3 pens by Tom Davies the Wanderers 5 metre lineout rolling maul was held by the Athletic. However, the referee deemed the Ath centres 25 metres from the maul had strayed offside and instead of a penalty awarded a penalty try. This ended the chances of the Ath emulating 2008-2009 team in achieving the Welsh League and Cup Double.

Match Report https://www.google.co.uk/amp/s/www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/other-sport/rugby-absences-resulted-first-loss-1921172.amp

After winning the Ospreys League the Ath beat Gwent League Winners Penallta 53-3 in the Welsh League Play Off Semi Final and went on to gain revenge on Blues League winners Glamorgan Wanderers by defeating them 17-10 in the Welsh League Play Off final at Llanharan, also denying them a Welsh Cup & League Double. With a full team including Internationals Morgan and Peers tries from James Olds & Sean Derrick both converted by Tom Davies who also added a penalty, the club retained its Welsh League title in a hard-fought game at Llanharan. Match Report.

https://www.wru.wales/2010/05/bridgend-athletic-claim-top-youth-honours/

The team rounded off the season by defeating Tondu 22-6 at Maesteg to win the District Cup Final for the eighth time in ten seasons.

Squad: Aled Thomas (prop), Luke Morgan, Rhodri Apsee, Luke Yardley, Rhys Evenden, Njabulu Dia Dia, Andrew Waite, James Olds, Adam Evans, Owain Evans, Corey Butler, Lewis Harrhy, Sean Derrick, Lee Murphy, Morgan Evans, Sam Treharne, Tom Habberfield, Rhys Ward Jones, Lloyd Evans, Curtis Williams, Tom Griffith Parry, Matthew Morgan, Lloyd Peers (Ashley).

Most Tries: Lewis Harrhy 21, James Olds 15, Luke Morgan 13, Lloyd Evans, Rhys Jones 10, Tom Parry, Sean Derrick 8, Mike Powell 7, Matthew Morgan 6, Adam Evans 4, Tom Davies 3, Curtis Williams, Owain Evans, Tom Habberfield 3.

Most Points: Tom Davies 199 (3T,59C,22P), Lewis Harrhy 105 (21T), James Olds 75 (15T), Tom Parry 59 (8T,5C,2P,1DG), Matthew Morgan 56 (6T,7C,3P,1DG), Lloyd Evan, Rhys Jones 50 (10T).

Youth Rags 2009-2010 – Ospreys League

District Plate Winners – Maesteg 17-7 Final

P19, W11, L8, PF 227, PA 206 TF 47

This was second season the Ath able to field a Youth Rags team and doing well, winning 7 and losing 4 of their Ospreys League Fixtures. They won the District Plate Final defeating Maesteg 17-7.

• Some games qualified as both District League & Cup / Plate

League: *Cefn Cribbwr 11-5, Nantymoel 33-8 & 22-10, *Maesteg 17-7, Porthcawl 22-29 & 34-10, Tondu “B” 22-24, South Wales Police 3-6,  Maesteg 8-13, Maesteg Celtic 35-14 & 18-0.

District Cup: *Cefn Cribbwr 11-5, Kenfig Hill 5-16,

District Club Plate: *Maesteg 17-7 (Wed 17/02/10)

Friendlies: Briton Ferry 20-19, Garndiffaith 36-0, Fairwater 8-17, Beddau 15-12, Caerleon 20-6, Cefn Cribbwr 8-10,

Players: Corey Butler, Aaron Shakeshaft, Andrew Waite, Ryan Jones, Harry Griffiths, Oliver Olds, Curtis Williams, Owain Evans, James Olds, Rhys Jones, Evan Yardley, Lewis Harrhy, Alex Evans, Nathan Moruzzi, Matthew Russel, Tom Parry, Dafydd Morgan, Stuart Edbrooke, Jack Wilkins, Aled Thomas, Alex Starritt, Rhodri Apsee, Efan Ellis, Ashley Adams, Sebastian Mellor, Luke Yardley, Luke Hollyman, Daniel Howells, Kurt Jones, Tom Davies, Scott Jones.

Most Tries: Aaron Shakeshaft, Andrew Waite 5, Harry Griffiths 4, Curtis Williams, Owain Evans 3, Oliver Olds, Lewis Harrhy, Alex Evans, Nathan Moruzzi, Evan Yardley, Matthew Russel 2.

Most Points: Corey Butler 48 (6C, 12P), Andrew Waite, Aaron Shakeshaft 25 (5T), Ryan Jones 24 (9C,2P), Harry Griffiths 20 (4T).

Mini & Juniors 2005-2010

The Mini & Junior Section formed in 1989 had a successive period winning may Ospreys Cups at Mini Level as well as many tournaments at all age groups Mini & Junior. The first player to come through its ranks and gain full International honours was Lee Byrne, who won the first of his 46 Caps in 2005-2006 against New Zealand and won a British Lions Cap in 2009.

In this period 10 of their former players gained Wales U18 or U19 Caps, including in season 2005-2006 filling positions 5,6,7,8 & 9 in the same Wales U18 team through Kyle Maiden, Jonathan Jones (Capt), Lee Sims, Haloti Molitika & Rhys Webb. Other included Luke Hathaway, Tom Williams, Lloyd Peers (now Ashley), Tom Habberfield and Matthew Morgan.

Officials during this period. Chairman Roy Minifey, Vice Chairman Tony Bennett, Secretary & M&J Tour Organiser Mandy Pickford succeeded by Angela Bennett.

Season 2006-2007

In the season 2006-2007 outlined below when full stats available the Juniors won 13 trophies Ospreys Cups at every level from U12-U16 as well as tournaments. They had a combined Playing Record P149, W134, D4, L11 PF 2880 PA 504. The U15’s went undefeated that season.

The Minis U8-U11 also won 13 tournaments averaging at least 3 per team, with the U9 undefeated. Combined Playing Record P155, W141, D7, L8, PF 2239 PA 340.

The Junior Sections also enjoyed great success. The Under 12, 15 and 16 Sides won their Osprey’s Cup Finals, the Under14’s were losing finalists and the Under 13’s won the Plate Final. The Under 15’s won all their games, while the Under 14’s only lost 1, scoring 1147 points for with only 89 against.

The Mini’s also had a magnificent Season. The Under 9’s won all their games, while the U10’S scored 1331 points for with 156 against.

In both the sections all teams won over 80% of their fixtures.

Full Statistics below

Minis 2008-2009

 The mini teams had a lot of success in various tournaments throughout the country and had five boys, Tom Pritchard, Tom McArdle, Rueben Tooze, Stuart Floyd-Ellis and Jak Robbins representing West Wales Under 11’s, receiving ‘A’ caps. The junior section had tremendous success winning the Ospreys Cup Competitions at Under 16’s, under 15’, Under 14’s, with the Under 12’s sharing their trophy in a drawn contest. The Under 13’s won the Ospreys plate Competition.

Section 3 - Player Profiles - 2005-2010 Senior Debuts

Youth Internationals 2005-2010

Season 2005-2006 the Ath filled positions 5,6,7,8 & 9 in the Wales U18 Team through Kyle Maiden, Jonathan Jones (Capt), Lee Sims, Haloti Molitika & Rhys Webb. Other U18 in this period Luke Hathaway, Lloyd Peers Jack Shaw, Tom Habberfield & Matthew Morgan. Rhys Webb, Luke Hathaway, Phil Price & Tom Williams were part of the Wales U19 World Cup Squad Season 2006-2007.

Kyle Maiden played 26 1^ST XV games for the Ath before moving on to the Ravens and Bedwas.

Jonathan Jones played 33 Ath games, 30 1^st XV also playing for Bridgend Ravens.

Lee Sims played 48 games for the Ath 24 1^ST XV scoring 11 tries and 109 points. Unfortunately, Lee drifted in and out of rugby never committed to fulfilling his huge potential. Died last year while coaching M&J U7 side which his son played for.

Haloti Molitika switched to play U20 with Tonga and joined Gloucester.

Lloyd Peers changed his name to Lloyd Ashley when he married in 2015. He joined the Osprey Achademy after Wales U18 Caps with the Ath Youth and is now an Osprey packing down alongside Aled Wyn Jones. Recently on a voluntary basis became leader of WRPA concerned with Mental Health and Well Being.

Rhys Webb. Scrum Half. Played for Wales Age Groups U16,18,19,20 including Wales U19 World Cup squad that Won the World Junior Tournament in Dubais. Rhys played for Bridgend while still eligible for Youth rugby, then Aberavon, Ospreys, Toulon, Bath & currently Ospreys. Gained first of 40 full Welsh Caps in 2012 and won 2 Lions Caps in New Zealand in 2017 scoring a try.

He has never forgotten the Ath always mentioning the club in the media and wearing Ath socks in a tribute to Ath Chairman Andrew Tellem. Rhys always supportive of Club POY Nights for Seniors and Juniors. Has helped coach a youth team and currently coaching age groups where his son plays.

Luke Hathaway played for Aberavon as a full back or wing, played at Swansea in 2010-2011 season along with Scott Baldwin, Matthew Morgan, and Tom Morgan.

Phillip Price. Prop. Played Wales U18 & U20, Bridgend, Bedwas, Ospreys, Dragons and now with Scarlets.

Matthew Morgan Mercurial Outside Half or full back.Wales U18, u20 Caps. Played in only Welsh side to beat New Zealand since 1950’s with Wales U20 at the Junior World Cup in 2012. In seniors played for Bridgend, Swansea, Ospreys, Bristol where he won a POY award and currently Cardiff Blues. Won 5 Welsh Caps since 2014.

Tom Haberfield. Scrum Half. Played with Matthew Morgan. An excellent player who joined the Ospreys and recently Cardiff Blues. Always willing to support all sections of club at presentation evenings and other events.

Tom Williams. No 8. Wales U16 and Wales U19 World Cup Squad alongside Rhus Webb, Phillip Price and Luke Hathaway that won the Wales U19 World Cup in Dubais. Also, Wales 7’s Player. Cubs Bridgend, Bedwas, Bristol, London Welsh.

Scott Baldwin. Hooker. While not an Age Group Wales player worked extremely hard at Bridgend. Swansea and then Ospreys. Earned first of his 34 caps in 2013. Now with Harlequins in the English Premier League. Although never a Lion, will always be remembered for trying to pet one.

Sean Williams Back Row

Apps 314 1^ST XV Apps 305 Tries37 Pts 185

Currently plays in a strong Ath back row at blindside flanker alongside Ben Howe and Ben Davies – arguably best in Div 1 West or East Central Leagues, though has played with equal distinction at No 8 or lock forward. Main club line out forward. Awarded club cap 2014.

 1^ST XV debut at the end of season 2005-2006, while still in youth and youth team captain, and has been one of the first names on the team sheet since then as well as one of the most consistent performers with many MOMS and POY awards.

 In season 2011-2012 appointed club captain and held that honour for 5 consecutive seasons. At the end of his first season as captain the team were promoted into the inaugural Championship of season 2012-2013, where the club despite lacking resources of most of its rivals held its’ own for three of the four seasons finishing 9th and 8^th twice in a table of 14 teams. Among those teams were Swansea, Merthyr Ebbw Vale, Pontypool, Cardiff Met, RGC, Bargoed, Newbridge, Narbeth & Tata Steel. The club defeated every one of those teams at least once under Sean’s leadership except for Swansea.

Now in his 15^th senior season with the club Sean is still an integral cog in the team. Currently 7^th on all time Ath appearance list – but only 9 games short of moving to 3^rd place

Aled Thomas – Scrum Half

Apps 207 1^st XV Apps 192 Tries 34 Pts 200

Current long-term 1^ST XV incumbent at scrum half.

Aled won 3 Boys Clubs of Wales U16 Caps, being awarded MOM against Belgium Colts at the Heisel Stadium while alongside Ben Howe at Pencoed Juniors.

 Aled and Ben both joined the Athletic Youth in season 2006-2007, when the team won the Welsh Youth Cup, and was involved in season 2008-2009 the most successful year in the history of the Ath Youth. The undefeated side winning a Welsh League and Cup double at the Millenium Stadium.

Aled made his 1^ST XV debut season 2009-2010 and won the Daryl Dyke Memorial Award that season. He is very lively scrum half with a good left foot always looking to get the Ath on the front foot with quickly taken tap penalties. His versatility has seen his great clubman qualities by being prepared to play any position in the back division if the need arises

Aled has been a regular Glamorgan County player making 12 County appearances and awarded a County Cap. He is also a Glamorgan County Silver Ball Cup winner – unfortunately not with the Athletic – playing on permit for Nantyfyllon who defeated Ystalyfera.

Coaching his son’s M&J team.

Dan Apsee – Back Row

Apps 191 1^ST XV Apps 181 Tries 20 Pts 100

Dan the son of Ath Head Coach John played flanker and lock as well as No 8. Made senior debut season 2005-2006. Joined Ravens before returning and playing key role in our Championship seasons. Won many MOM and awards at POY Presentation Evenings.

A wales U18 player and still part of Malta National Team.

A good line out forward with excellent ball handling skills. Last few seasons has moved to Glamorgan Wanderers, but still plays odd game on Permit for the Athletic.

Jamie Doherty – Lock

Apps 167 1^st Apps 103 Tries 5 Pts 25

Jamie made his senior 2^nd XV debut in season 2006-2007. At the end of his first season 2008-2009 in the 1^ST XV he was awarded the Daryl Dyke Memorial Shield as the most improved player of that season.

Jamie added considerable bulk to the pack – especially helpful in boosting the scrum. Also, it helped him to ball carry effectively setting up possession for our back division. In recent years he has suffered ankle problems limiting his 2^ND XV appearances.

Lindsay MaCausland – Wing / Full Back

Apps 155 1^st XV Apps 136 Tries 40 Pts 200

Made his 1^ST XV debut in 2007-2008 and following retirement after an injury returned in season 2018-2019.

His 35 1^ST XV tries are the 22^nd highest recorded.

Lindsay started as a full back but can also play centre as well as his current position on the wing.

A strong runner who likes to step inside an opponent and knows how to finish with 40 tries in 155 appearances. Unfortunately, his work pattern disrupts his current appearances where he adds value to the Athletic team.

Ben Howe - Flanker

Apps 152 1^ST XV Apps 128 Tries 55 Pts 275

Open side flanker who has just completed his 4^th season as club captain having taken over from his fellow back row colleague Sean in season 2016-2017, and likely to continue at the helm whenever rugby starts again

A Welsh U11 & 16 International (a shoulder injury prevented addin Wales U18) Ben joined the Ath Youth season 2006-2007 when the team won the Welsh Youth Cup and was Youth Team captain in seasons 2007-2008 and 2008-2009. In season 2008-2009 he led the team to a unique double. His team won the Webb Ellis Welsh Youth Cup Final at the Millenium Stadium and followed that by winning what was then called the RAF Youth League Final – the best club Youth side in Wales. The only season the Youth has won the Welsh league and cup double.

He has proved a mighty influence on the Athletic in his role of flanker winning many POY Awards including joint POY last season with Lee Murphy, as well many Players POY voted for by his fellow players. His try scoring capability of 55 in 152 games – averaging a try every 3 games is phenomenal. His versatility has also seen him turn out at hooker and centre.

Tom Penry-Ellis – Lock or Back Row

Apps 152 1^ST XV Apps 141 Tries 8 Pts 42

Only Youth Player in Welsh Cup Winning season 2006-2007 to play in all 28 games, scoring 8 tries.

Son of Bridgend No 8 Steve Ellis Tom is equally at home in a flanker or lock forward shirt. Made senior debut in season 2007-2008 before leaving for a few years in USA.

Again, a vital cog in the Championship years with good line out and ball carrying skills. Won MOM awards. Moved away to Cardiff area and like Dan has spent his last few seasons with Glamorgan Wanderers. Played two games last season on Permit for the Athletic.

Matthew Hillman – Flanker

Apps 145 1^st Apps 138 Tries 8 Pts 40

Position Flanker. Played for 1^St XV between 2006-2015 captaining the club in season 2011-2012. He was 1sts XV Player of Year season 2007-2008 following Youth POY 2005-2006.

An excellent tackler and excellent at securing possession at rucks and mauls – always prepared to do the nitty gritty of forward work, appreciated by his fellow players.

Matthew joined Maesteg for a couple of seasons. His father was the late Colin Hillman ex Bridgend &, Swansea hooker and captain and coach of Wales Sevens side.

Nathan Holman – Hooker

Apps 136 1^st Apps 76 Tries 26 Pts 130

Present incumbent along with Lee Murphy.

 Played in 2006-2007 Welsh Youth winning squad and in 2008-2009 Youth team squad that won Welsh Youth Cup and league double under Ben Howe and Matthew Norman, Lee Murphy and Aled Thomas from current squad. Captained 2^nd XV two seasons before becoming an ever present in 1^st XV.

Was awarded best forward for season 2011-2012 at POY Presentation Evening.

An excellent loose forward with great handling skills. Like his father Ian another Ath stalwart he has on occasions used his scrummaging prowess at tight head prop when the occasion demanded.

A good try scoring record for a hooker averaging a try approximately every 5 games.

Now coaching his son’s M&J team along with Aled Thomas & Matthew Norman, and has recently joined the Ath senior committee liaising with the M&J.

Nick Hinton - Centre

Apps 135 1sts 43 Tries 40 Pts 290

Made his 1^ST XV debut in season 2006-2007 and last appearance in 2016-2017 alternating between 1^St & 2^nd XV’s as a centre or wing.

His 53 senior tries are the 14^th highest recorded, with 40 of those for the 2^nd XV the 3^rd highest for the 2nds, while his 225 2^nd XV points is the 9^th highest recorded.

A tall long-legged player with a large sidestep he scored a high ratio of tries per game with 53 in 135 appearances.

 He is 3^rd recorded highest 2^nd XV try scorer with 40.

Matthew Norman – Prop

Apps 121, 1^st 112, Tries 12 Pts 60

Matthew played alongside Rhys Webb and current 1^ST XV players Ben Howe, Nathan Holman & Aled Thomas in the 2006-2007 Welsh Youth Cup Winning side. Also, part of 2008-2009 Ath Youth Welsh League & Cup Double side.

He went straight from youth into the 1^ST XV until 2014-2015 season when he joined Swansea returning end of season 2016-2017.

Now part of an excellent experienced front row alongside Wayne and Matthew Muir.

Matthew was Nathaniel Car Sales Player of Month of November before an injury cut short his season. He has represented both the Welsh and British Fire Brigade Service teams.

Matthew currently assisting coaching last season’s M&J U8’s where his son plays.

Stuart Kenny – Scrum Half

Apps 104 1^st XV Apps 48 Tries 13 Pts 65

1^st XV debut season 2005-2006 and last 1^ST XV App season 2011-2012, alternating in latter seasons between 1^ST XV and 2^nd XV. Won Best 2^nd XV Back award at POY 2013-2014 season

A lively scrum half looking to get quick ball to outside half and always alert to any opening for a break.

Now coaching Junior section of club where his son plays.

Andrew Tyler – Wing

Apps 98 1^st XV Apps 2 Tries 21 Pts 105

Andrew made his senior debut in season 2006-2007 and his last just short of 100 appearances season 2017-2018.

A speedy strong running wing Andrew crossed for 21 tries and 105 points. a particularly good scoring record.

Stuart Nation – Hooker

Apps 87 1^st Apps 80 Tries 18 Pts 92

Stuart made his 1^ST XV debut season 2006-2007. He was a very mobile hooker and excellent in tight and loose player.

Was like an additional flanker around the field. Played at same time as club captain hooker Simon Mustoe, limiting his 1^ST XV starting games – but an excellent player to come on as the game broke up.

Moved on season 2013-2014 to Heol Y Cyw.

Tom Cole – Outside Half / Centre

Apps 86 1^st XV Apps 12 Tries 24 Pts 793

Tom featured in the Ath Youth side that in 2007 won the Welsh Webb Ellis Youth cup defeating Waunarlwydd 26-3 in the final.

Tom made his senior debut in season 2008-2009 at outside half. He captained the 2^nd XV in seasons 2010-2011 and 2013-2014 featuring in the District Cup winning side in May 2010.

He was 2^nd XV POY season 2012-2013. He also made 12 1^ST XV Apps scoring 64 points.

Tom a reliable goal kicker’s 729 2^nd XV points is the second highest behind Ross Walker’s 820. His 174 2^ND XV points in a season is also second to John Evans’ 195 back in 1982-83.

Tom’s last Ath appearance was 2016-2017, before his Regional and Coaching appointments with Bedwas made him unavailable on a Saturday.

Lewis Davies – Prop

Apps 77 1^st XV Apps 19 Tries 10 Pts 50

Lewis Davies son of former Chairman Mark Davies is one of 3 brothers to play with distinction for the Ath. The others centre Hywel and wing Rhodri were covered in 2000-2005 profiles.

He played in the Webb Ellis cup and league winning team of 2008 -2009. The following 3 years he spent at Uni in Bristol training as a Sports Therapist. Had a couple of full seasons but then did teacher training resulting in taking a step back from playing.

Played in 1^ST XV seasons 2015-2017. A mobile prop who crossed for 10 tries.

Lloyd Pemberton – Wing / Utility

Apps 75 1^st 29 Tries 34 Pts 179

Lloyd the son of the Ath Youth Team founder and first captain Terry changed career from football to join the Athletic in season 2010-2011 as a speedy wing with a good sidestep.

He has been a great asset scoring 34 tries in his 75 appearances.

In last few seasons has for the 2^nd XV played mainly in the pack at lock and back row pocketing Player and Players Player of the Year Awards.

Michael Hathaway – Centre

Apps 74 1^st XV Apps 60 Tries 23 Pts 118

Son of former club stalwart and Welsh Districts full back and Ath coach Huw Hathaway 2003-2008.

Michael a gifted player able to play at high skill levels at full back, outside half or centre was part of the Youth Welsh Cup 2006-2007 winning team and Welsh & League Cup winning side of 2008-2009, also making 3 1^ST XV appearances that season. Scored a try in Welsh Youth League Cup win against Merthyr.

Resumed Ath career season 2012-2013 playing through our Championship seasons. A prolific try scorer with 23 tries in his 74 senior appearances.

Transferred from Ath to Bedwas to link up with Bedwas coach and former Ath player Tom Cole.

Rhodri Apsee – Prop

Apps 64 1^st Apps 63 Tries 1 Pts 5

Son of former Ath and Ravens player Simon and part of our longest sponsors J.H.Apsee & Sons Removal & Storage company.

Rhodri played 3 seasons 2012 – 2015 in the Championship with the Ath before becoming a regular prop for Bridgend Ravens. He has played the odd permit game for the Ath in recent seasons.

A strong scrummager and extremely mobile prop Rod won both the Player of the Year and the Daryl Dyke Memorial Award during his time in the Ath front row.

Tom Morgan – Back Row / Centre

Apps 63 1^st Apps 60 Tries 10 Pts 50

Tom Morgan brother of Welsh full back and former Ath youth cap at outside half Matthew was a No 8 in the 2009 Youth side that won the Webb Ellis Cup Final and started as No 8 in senior season 2009-2011 before joining Bridgend Ravens. He was Player of Year in his first season 2009-2010 in senior rugby.

 Returned for a spell in the Championship converting to centre and wreaking havoc with his speed and strength. Scored a try from his own 22 shaking off Championship leaders Ebbw Vale defenders like rag dolls.

Played twice last season for the Ath on permit in the centre before in the New Year trying a new venture as a Player Coach at Pyle.

Callum McLeod – 2^nd Row / Backrow.

Apps 61, 1^ST Apps 19, Tries 13, Pts 65

Callum was a 2^nd Row in the Youth unbeaten 2008-2009 Welsh League & Cup Double side.

He was very quick and just as adept in the back row. Excellent ball handler and always in support. Good try average of 13 in 61 Apps.

James Olds – Centre

Apps 56 1^st XV Apps 54 Tries 23 Pts 126

An extremely fast an elusive centre who could beat a player on a sixpence with a sidestep and turn of speed. Very influential in Ath Youth Double winning side 2008-2009.

Played 2009-2012 in 1^ST XV scoring 12 tries in 34 games.

Followed his brother Ollie to Australia and playing rugby league there now with New South Wales club Albury Thunder Like his brother capped for Wales rugby league in 2018-2019 and for Wales 9’S Rugby League side.

Stuart Edbrooke - Back Row

Apps 53, 1^ST XV Apps 41 Tries 12 Pts 60

Captained Youth Season 2009-2010 winning Welsh Youth League, Ospreys Premier League and District Cup.

Made senior debut in season 2010-2011. A very steady and reliable player with good attacking and defensive skills.

Made position his own for three seasons after re-joining from Tata Steel before deciding to take up a player coaching roll at his hometown club Llantwit Major.

Dean Greenslade – Lock

2^ND XV Apps 48 Tries 1 Pts 5

A strong and physical 2^nd row who played intermittently between seasons 2007-2016.

Always made his presence felt on the field.

Robert Davies – No 8

44 2^ND XV Apps 6 Tries 30 Pts

Made first appearance in season 2005 and now retired.

An extraordinarily strong player able to break from No 8 and a good ball carrier. Scored 6 tries for the club.

Highlight of career was to be named Man of Match in the Barrie Morris Plate Final win over Bridgend Sports in April 2017. Was also 2^nd XV POY season 2013-2014.

Simon Evans – Outside Half / Full Back

Apps 40 1^st XV Apps 39 Tries 17 Pts 94

Played two seasons with the Athletic 2007-2009 before leaving for Tata Steel.

A very quick and elusive player with an impressive try to game ratio of 17 in 94.

Also accomplished at full back and became a regular opponent at Tata.

Chris McGrath – Wing

2^nd XV Apps 35 7 Tries, 35 points.

A powerful strong running wing for the 2^nd XV crossing for 7 tries in his 35 Apps.

Rhys Evenden – Prop

Apps 34 1^st XV Apps 2 Tries 1 Pts 5

Strong prop made 24 of his 34 senior appearances between 2009-2013 and then returned 2016-2018 to play a further 10 games.

Good scrummager and good ball carrier who made 2 x 1^St XV appearances.

Tom Howells – No 8

Apps 30 1^st Apps 1 2 Tries 10 points.

2^nd XV POY in his first season out of youth 2008 – 20009 when the 2^nd XV won the Double District League & Cup. Drifted away after a few seasons.

Tim Lunn

Apps 30, 1^ST XV Apps 30

A strong prop who joined from Llantrisant. Also, a good ball carrier and lively in loos play.

Luke Hopper – Scrum Half

Apps 26 1^ST XV Apps 26 Tries 7 Pts 35

Luke was a very smart and slippery scrum half always looking for a break, with an excellent 7 tries in his 26 appearances. Moved away from the area preventing him becoming established at No 9 for the Ath.

Tom Davies -Scrum Half

Apps 25 1^ST XV Apps 17 Tries 5 Points 84.

One of the mainstays in the Youth years including Welsh League & Cup double season 2008-2009. A prolific try scorer and points accumulator off the kicking tee. He continued in the same vein in his short spell of senior rugby with the Ath.

Shaun Owens – Wing

Apps 24, 1sts 6, Tries 10 Pts 179.

Shawn was particularly good wing with the youth scoring many tries. He was equally adept at crossing the whitewash for the seniors. A pity his appearances limited to 24 games.

David Price – Prop

Apps 20 1^st Apps 12 Tries 3 Points 15

A particularly good prop and leader with the youth who he captained to the Club’s first ever Welsh Cup win in season 2006-2007. Made 8 of his 1^ST XV Appearances while still in youth. Not with the club long at senior level.

Chris Harries - Wing

Apps 16 1^st XV Apps 2 Tries 6 Points 30

Son of former Ath Treasurer Steve. A useful player with limited Ath appearances.

Section 4 -2005-2010 Club Officials.

President Phil Rees, Chairmen Terry Coles, Barrie Morris 2006-2009, Keith Thomas, Club Secretary – Roy Huntley 1993-Present, Treasurer Steve Harries 2005-2006, Terry Coles 2006-Present

General Committee and additions 2005 –2010 Terry Coles, Roy Huntley, Barrie Morris, Gareth Davies, Steve Harries, Keith Thomas, Adrian Burt, David Burt, Dick Matthews, Mark Davies, Steve Lyons, David Davison, Bob Lewis, Neil Minchington.

Trustees – Messrs, David Davison replacing the late Jeff Jenkins, Malcolm Sawyer, Peter Wood,

Patrons – John Apsee Snr

Life Members – Jeff Jenkins, Brian Lewis, Phil Rees, Mike Rennie, Clive Easterbrook, Barrie Thomas, Barrie Morris, Roy Huntley, new Huw Hathaway, Adrian Burt Terry Coles.

Press Officer Adrian Burt 1985 – Present, Club Statistician Adrian Burt 2003- Present, Club Website Administrator Adrian Burt 2003- 2017

100 Club Administrator 1992-2017 David Burt

Main Sponsors: J.H.Apsee & Sons,KPMG, Microcompass, David Perry of Church Village Travel, David Little, JG Plant, Players John Naisbitt of Cotacabins, Chris Williams of Spring Engineering, Friends of Bridgend Athletic administered by David Burt, Gareth L Edwards (Estate Agents), Ward Jones of Ward Jones (Bridgend) Ltd.

2005-2010 Match Officials, Coaches and Captains

Fixture Sec: Barrie Morris 2005-2009, Paul Hearne 2009-Present

Club Coaches, Huw Hathaway, David Williams 2003-2008, Paul Yardley 2008-2013, David Williams, John Apsee 2008- Present. Team Manager 2005-2008 Wayne Yardley, 2008 – Present Paul Hearne

Senior First Aider: Bob Lewis 2005-2010

Youth Coaches: 2005-2007 Phil Rees, Mark Davies, Tom Penry – Ellis, 2007-2008 Phil Rees, Anthony Woodward, 2008-2009 Anthony Woodward, Mark Watts, 2009-2010 Phil Rees, Mark Watts.

Team Managers / Administrators Keith Thomas, Mark Davies, Phil Rees.

Mini & Juniors: Chairman Roy Minifey, Vice Chairman Tony Bennett, Secretary Mandy Pickford then Angela Bennett, Secretary Alan Blaney.

Club Captains

1sts – Simon Mustoe 2005-2009, Rhodri Jones 2009-2010.

2nds –Liam Griffiths 2005-2010.

Youth – Sean Williams 2005-2006, David Price 2006-2007, Ben Howe 2007-2009, Stuart Edbrooke 2009-2010.