National League Div 1 West Central
This win at Ystradgynlais was a massive boost to the chances of BARFC retaining their place in Div 1 West Central.A very heavy pre match shower made conditions slippery under foot.
Both sides were much changed from a 20-20 draw on Jan 27th at the Brewery Field with the home side’s five changes trumped by the Ath fielding 10 different players in the starting line up.
The Ath dominated possession and territory in the first half but were made to rue lost opportunities to score as the home side kicked two penalties, while the Ath turned down their own kickable opportunities to kick to the corner, without capitalising with any tries.
Wing Mc Kenzie Grey broke from halfway into the Ystradgynlais 22. When halted the ball was quickly recycled along the line via half backs Evan D’Adamo and Jonathan Phillips to see centre Tom Jenkins feed wing Lochie Barron to race over and lead the Ath try count for the season with his seventh touchdown. Five minutes later No 8 Tom Davies fly hacked the ball upfield from his own half, and a great turn of speed saw him outpace the defence for a try in the corner.
From the restart Ben Howe broke clear and was halted just short of the line. Ystradgynlais infringed, and quick thinking by lock Tom Morgan saw him take a tap penalty and cross before the home side could organise a defence. The converted try saw what a 10-minute defining can be,17 point period for the Ath season.
However, a series of pens against the Ath saw Ystradgynlais move from their own 22 to putting a pen into touch 5 metres from the Ath try line. A driving maul try reducing the home deficit to 17-11 with 5 mins remaining. The final minute was played out close to the Ath line before captain Ben Howe kicked the ball dead to signal the final whistle.
This leaves the Ath on 22 points, Birchgrove on 21 and Brynamman like the Ath with 3 games remaining on 17 points. One side will be relegated.
The Ath are home to Builth Wells at the Brewery Field on April 13th, home to Skewen April 20th at Newbridge Fields and complete the season against already promoted Tondu at the Brewery Field on April 27th.Great if Ath supporters can turn out in good numbers for these 3 games.
Brynamman have away games at Builth Wells and Morriston and home to fellow strugglers Birchgrove.
Birchgrove still have 8 games to play.
Heol Y Cyw 24 Bridgend Athletic Generals 7
Friendly
In difficult conditions a youngish Ath Generals had to compete with a strong mainly 1st XV Heol Y Cyw side. They competed well but against a much bigger and heavier pack competing at the top end of Div 2 West Central, it proved a difficult ask.
Generals centre Owen Thomas crossed for his customary try and now has 13 tries in 11 games this season. Ethan Bevan added the conversion.
Charlie Ashpole and John Coates were the pick of the Ath forwards, with Nick Jones and Dan Osarigie the pick of the backs.
It was good to see some Youth players in the 22-man squad which bodes well for the future.
The young side were sometimes over enthusiastic trying to play out of defence, which cost them against a more experienced side who stuck more to the basics of controlling a game.
Also, the Generals suffered with consistency by giving all 22 fair game time, and not being able to adjust to their fellow players.
There doesn't appear to be any tagged photos.
Please wait as the server processes your request. Do not attempt to refresh the page.
Processing
Processing