News

The club was now well established and well attended with various events Thursday – Friday and a Ladies Darts team. The Mini & Junior section as mentioned in 1985-90 report was now thriving with ages U8-U16 and players starting in these years who would not only become Youth Internationals but as well as ensuring the club’s future would become Premiership, Regional, Internationals and British Lions. A long way from an advert in the Gazette in 1989. The likes of Treasurer Mal Evans, Secretary Alan Betty, coaches John Maher, Phil Wolsey and administrators Phil Rees, Roy Huntley and Glyn Rees aided by parents of age groups coming on board built the foundations for a thriving and very important section of the club.

In season 1994 –95 the club was repainted inside and out with Pat Watts, Ken Griffiths “Griff old Parish” and Jeff Jenkins to the fore, New carpets and curtains also fitted. Griff was also updating the Captains Boards each season.

A significant development season 1992-93 was the try value increasing from 4 to 5 points.

Another development was the Central Glamorgan (Wistech League) being replaced in season 1994-5 with admission to the National Leagues. The Athletic needed to finish in the top 2 in season 1993-94 by winning at Tonmawr in the final league game of the season to go into Div 5 of the new National Leagues. However, Tonmawr reversed an earlier 18-10 Athletic win and came out on top 16-8 for the Athletic to finish 3^rd and go into Div 7B Central of the New National Leagues.

Whereas the glamour fixture of the 1980’s was a Schweppes Cup 4^th round tie in Dec 1989 at Cardiff Arms Park, season 1990-91 saw the Athletic drawn away at St Helen’s in a 6^th Round Schweppes Cup Tie against a Swansea side starting with 10 current and 12 future International players and bringing on Stuart Davies as a replacement. A Western Mail article attached was headed “Whites made to struggle.” as the Athletic held them to 6-6 at half time before try braces from Richard Webster and Kevin Hopkins took the game away for Swansea to run out 38-6 victors.

In season 1990-91 Paul Jones playing in the Ath Youth team captained by Lee Grabham won U18 Caps for Wales.

It was an open secret that a brown envelope culture had long existed among the top sides in Wales. However, the WRU can be held part accountable for fuelling such a culture when they introduced the National Leagues in 1994-95 sponsored by Swalec who also sponsored the Swalec Cup.. Their Grant systems and International Ticket allocations provided a huge discrepancy to clubs depending on their position in the league set up, with Division 1 clubs receiving initially over £100K per annum and only around £5k in the lowest set up. This culture also brought the WRU problems later and especially when the New International ground was constructed the revenues to clubs dropped off a cliff edge, leaving many clubs living in expectation of these grants in enormous debt.

This fuelled a stampede amongst the clubs to reach the higher divisions and the need to outdo each other to attract players to get there.

By the end of season 1994-95 the Athletics’ always healthy balance had taken a turn for the worse with £5K owed to the Brewery and £2K to the Inland Revenue.

Fortunately, the club who had always had support from local sponsors had set up large sponsorship deals. Gareth Davies brought in Alan and his son Dean Davies of Merthyr Motor Auctions who for 4 years provided the best sponsorship the club has enjoyed. As well as monetary gifts they purchased the current large white results board, sponsored kit, and a player of the month award. Alan became club president from 1994-1997.

Club secretary Roy Huntley also set up a long deal with KPMG and Chairman Terry Coles a long deal with Microcompass.

Annual sponsored Golf days at Maesteg Golf Club organised by Gareth Davies and latterly Patron David Williams also brought in substantial revenue.

Coupled with good bar sales and a tightening of the belt by the end of season 1995-96 the club were back on sound financial footing and looking to upgrade the club. This will be discussed in the next chapter of Ath history.

This brown envelope culture had not gone unnoticed by the Inland Revenue and like most clubs in Wales in late 1995 the Inland Revenue spent 2 years investigating Welsh Clubs.

Another major fund-raising development was the Friends of Bridgend Athletic 100 Club. In 1992 David Burt set up this monthly prize draw with “Friends” of BARFC setting up a monthly direct debit of £2 / month. The proceeds were to be entirely for rugby. Over the years it has supported new playing kit, training kit, club tours, physio equipment for all ages from Minis to Seniors. The past 10 seasons has seen a contribution go to the youngest Mini Age Group as start-up assistance. David ran this great venture for 25 years, before Stuart Morris took over the administration. Many existing members started back in 1972, still paying the same £2 a month. Any new members very welcome to contact Stuart stuart.morris@mosselectricalsw.co.uk.

A sad by product of the National Leagues was most clubs in Wales lost a team as clubs concentrated their resources on the new leagues. 1994-1995 saw the last season the Ath would field a 3^RD XV.

I990-95 Club Officials.

President – Peter Wood 90-91), Phil Rees (92-94), Alan Davies MMA (95-98), Chairmen Terry Coles 1992-95  Phil Rees (90-91) Vice Chairman – Terry Coles(90-01), Treasurer – Barrie Morris (90-95), Club Secretary – Brian Lewis (90-93), Roy Huntley( (93-95),Assistant Secretary Carey Prior 90-91, Youth Secretary Carey Prior (90-95)

General Committee and additions 1990-91 – Terry Coles, Glan Hitchings, Barrie Jones, Kelvin Leyshon, Graham Phillips, Steve Pilliner, Carey Prior, Clive Easterbrook, David Williams, Ken Griffiths, Glyn Griffiths, Adrian Burt, David Burt, Gareth Davies

 Entertainment Secretary’s – Brian Lewis, David Burt, Gareth Davies

Trustees – Messrs, Jeff Jenkins, Malcolm Sawyer, Peter Wood, Terry Coles (new).

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

New 100 Club Administrator 1992-2017 David Burt

1990-95 Match Officials, Coaches and Captains

Fixture Sec – Phil Rees (90-91) Barrie Morris 92-95

Medical Officer Joffrey Hodges

Club Coaches Alan Evans (90-91) Wayne Hall (92-94), Doug Evans (94-95 – 2 months only), Arwel Parry

Team Managers 1991-94 Lynn Davies 94-95 Lyn Davies then Huw Hathaway then Martin Miller

Youth Coach (90-92 and 94-95) Phil Rees, Youth Secretary & Assistants Carey Prior, Steve Pilliner.

Club Captains

1sts – Keri Townley (90-91), Ken Cornelius (91-92), Paul Rees (92-93), Alan Henson (93-94), Lee Grabham (94-96)

2nds – Kevan Tee (90-91), Gary Dalton (91-94), David Williams (94-95)

3rds Tony Griffiths (90-95)

Youth – Lee Grabham (90-91), Nigel Gadd (91-92), Neil Vaughan (94-95)

Table Ath 1Sts XV Results 1990-1994 (no 94-95 available)

Nb. Try value increased from 4 pts to 5 pts season 1992-93.

Overall 1^ST XV, 1990-94 P 119, W74, L 43, D 2 PF 2196 PA 1675 Win % 62/2%

1^ST XV Season 1990-91 P32 W 22 L9 D1 PF 599 PA 423- Main highlight following in 1989-90 playing a 4^th round Schweppes Cup Tie against Cardiff, this season they reached the 6^th Round playing Swansea at St Helens.

Ath team v Swansea: Martin Morris, Guy Evans, Mike Miller, Paul Rees, Martin Miller, Richard Dyke, Paul Davies, Haydn Lewis, Keri Townley (Capt), Nigel Hancock, John Hughes, Ken Cornelius, Andrew David, Lee Davies, Paul Webb. Rep. Kelvin Leyshon, Mark Williams, Adrian Phillips, Gerwyn Phillips, Michael Evans, Stuart Morris.

 Best Central Glamorgan League wins were a 72-9 and 36-9 double over Maesteg Quins and 36-9 and 28-4 wins over Nantyfyllon and Maesteg Celtic. Friendlies a 15-8 win and 3-6 narrow defeat against Bridgend Ravens.

Captain Keri Townley. Most Apps: 29 Ken Cornelius, Keri Townley, 26 Mike Miller, 25 Martin Morris, Paul Rees, Andrew David, 24 Paul Davies, 23 Martin Miller, 22 Haydn Lewis, 21 Lee Davies. Most Tries: 13 Martin Miller, Lee Davies, 10 Kelvin Leyshon, 9 Guy Evans. Most Points 135 Martin Morris, 52 Martin Miller, Lee Davies

1^st XV Season 1991-92. P30 W 15 L15 PF 398 PA 361. First of 3 seasons under coach Wayne Hall former Wales hooker and Team Manager Lyn Davies former Wales wing. Central Glamorgan League highlights Doubles over Maesteg Quins 21-10, 19-14 and Cefn Cribbwr 20-19 and 17-3, and wins against Maesteg Celtic 30-8, Porthcawl 31-7, Nantyfyllon 23-7 and Bridgend Sports 13-10. Friendlies lost 7-19 to Bridgend Ravens.

Captain Ken Cornelius. Most Apps: 27 Adrian Phillips, 26 Martin Miller, 25 Darren Thomas, Nigel Hancock, 24 Ken Cornelius, Martin Morris, 22 Mark Beynon, 21 Richard Keagle. Most Tries: 12 Martin Miller, 9 Richard Dyke, 7 Kevin Leyshon, Richard Keagle. Most Points: 155 Martin Morris, 48 Martin Miller, 44 Richard Dyke, 33 Huw Hathaway.

1^ST XV season 1992-93. P30 W19 L10 D1 PF 595 PA 424.Central Glamorgan League Highlights. Doubles over Bridgend Sports 13-11,13-0, British Steel 22-18, 21-5, Cefn Cribbwr 42-13, 34-26 and Maesteg Celtic 31-10, Porthcawl 20-19, Pontycymmer 24-3.

Captain Paul Rees. Most Appearances: 27 Martin Morris, 26 Adrian Phillips, 25 Lee Grabham, 23 Richard Dyke, 22 Michael Evans, Darren Thomas, 21 Andrew David, 20 Haydn Lewis. Most Tries: 9 Martin Morris, 7 Richard Dyke, Stuart Morris, 6 Martin Miller, Guy Evans. Most Points: 195 Stuart Morris, 81 Martin Morris, 33 Guy Evans, 30 Martin Miller.

1^ST XV Season 1993-94. P27 W18 L9 PF 604 PA 375. This was a significant season as the club needed to finish in the top 2 to go to Div 5 of the new National League set up the following season. Despite winning 9 of the 12 fixtures Tonmawr reversed an earlier season 18-10 defeat by the Athletic by winning 8-16 in the last league game for the Athletic to finish 3^rd and go to Division 7 of the National Leagues.

League doubles Porthcawl 15-3, 37-11, Cefn Cribbwr 51-10, 28-0, British Steel 21-18, Tonmmawr 18-10, Bridgend Sports 17-11, Neath Athletic 29-9, Nantyfyllon 30-13.

Captain Alan Henson. Most Apps: 26 Adrian Phillips, 25 Alan Henson, Martin Morris, 23 Andrew David, Justin Thomas, 22 Lee Grabham, 21 Stuart Morris, 20 Julian Davies, Lee Davies. Most Tries: 8 Stuart Morris, 7 Mike Miller, Justin Thomas, 6 Richard Keagle. Most Points: 174 Stuart Morris, 81 Arwel Parry, 35 Martin Miller, Justin Thomas.

2^nd XV 0verall 1990-94   P91 W 62 L28 D1 PF 2251 PA 1192 Win % 68.1%

2^ND XV season 1990-91. P29 W 19 L8 D1. Lost 16-27 to Tondu in S.F. of Enoch Lewis Cup after 12-8 and 17-15 wins over Pencoed and Porthcawl. Had league wins Maesteg Quins 21-16, Old Penarthyians 29-16, Nantyfyllon 27-9, Llantrisant 27-0 and Cefn Cribbwr 78-0 while a double loss to Llanharan 17-18 and 6-23 .Other significant wins Llanishen 92-0, Llantrisant 32-6, Caerleon 50-19, Bryncethin 32-10, CHSOB 18-10, Gilfach Goch 22-10, Old Iltydians 21-13 and 48-0, Banff 60-13, Llantwit Major 24-11, Pontycymmer 32-3.

Captain Kevan Tee. Most Apps: 26 Adrian Kelly, 24 Tony Griffiths, Stuart Morris, 23 Gary Dalton, 22 Russel Edmunds, 21 Jonathon James, 20 Mark Williams. Most Tries: 13 Kelvin Leyshon, 12 Richard Keagle, 10 Stuart Morris, 8 Mark Nunn, David Williams. Most Points: 276 Stuart Morris, 52 Kelvin Leyshon, 48 Richard Keagle.

2^ND XV 1991-92. P26 W18 L8. PF 480 PA 349. League P10 W8 L2. Friendly wins Old Illtydians 18-7, Nantymoel 38-3, Tonyrefail 31-4, Seven Sisters 15-9, Pyle 10-9, Blaengarw 24-10, Maesteg Celtic 32-18. League wins Kenfig Hill 18-4, Heol Y Cyw 17-7, Maesteg Quins 52-4 and 30-10, Old Penarthians 16-9, Cimla 16-9, Nantyfyllon 6-3, Marr College 34-10 and Maesteg Quins 30-10. The side lost the S.F of the Enoch Lewis Cup 38-9 against Nantyfyllon having previously defeated Tondu 22-19, Kenfig Hill 6-0 and Blaengarw 12-0.

Captain Gary Dalton. Most Appearances: 18 Russel Edmunds, 17 Martin Phillips, 15 Mark Nunn, Andrew Gregory, Huw Hathaway, 14 Gary Dalton, Nigel Hancock, Jason Wallace, Stuart Morris, 12 Phil Pook. Most tries: 8 Peter Roberts, 7 Mark Nunn, 5 Jason Wallace. Most points: 114 Stuart Morris, 39 Huw Hathaway, 32 Peter Roberts, 29 Ross Walker, 28 Mark Nunn.

2^nd XV 1992-93. P26 W18 L18 PF 656 PA 324.Started season with 7 successive wins over Porthcawl 15-0, Old Illtydians, 23-21, Gilfach Goch 35-12, Maesteg Celtic 28-0, Llandaff North 51-7, Pontyclun 15-3 and Bedwas 26-8. Other friendly wins Treorchy 44-0, Cimla 30-10, Porthcawl 38-0, Bridgend Sports 17-7, Nantyfyllon 18-13, Maesteg Celtic 12-0, Cefn Cribbwr, 34-6, Nantymoel 33-7, Maesteg Quins 81-7, Topsham 42-18, Maesteg Celtic 16-3.

Captain Gary Dalton. Most Apps: 22 Gary Dalton, 19 Huw Hathaway, 16 John Doherty, 15 Andrew Gregory, 13 Martin Phillips, Karl David, Phil Pook, Rob Woolcock, 12 David Williams, Stuart Morris, 11 Stuart Rich, 10 Nigel Hancock, Kelvin Leyshon. Most Tries: 8 Stuart Morris, Andrew Gregory, 7 Mark Nunn. Most Points: 149 Stuart Morris, 74 Huw Hathaway, 42 Andrew Gregory, 35 Mark Nunn.

2^ND XV 1993-94 – Records only available until Xmas. P11 W7 L4 PF 316 PA 174. Wins against Nantyfyllon 44-10, Maesteg Quin 68-7, Bedwas 27-19, Wick 21-12, Nantymoel 48-6, Blaengarw 21-13, Pencoed 9-8.

Captain Gary Dalton. Most Appearances: 10 David Williams, 8 Huw Hathaway, Stuart Rich, 6 Huw Jones, R.Lewis, Phil Noton, Wayne Yardley, Sean Delaney, Jason Forkin. Most Tries: 7 Kelvin Leyshon, 4 A.Lietch. Most Points: 95 Huw Hathaway, 35 Kevin Leyshon.

3^rd XV Overall 1990-94 P61 W42 L16 D3 PF 1379 PA 699 Win % 68.9%

3^RD XV 1990-91. P8 W5 L3 PF 301 PA 120. Wins against Porthcawl 46-6, Brackla 29-9, Barry 23-0, Wick 52-13, Neath Athletic 58-14.

Most Appearances: 14 Ross Walker, 13 Nick Doherty, Jason Quirke, John Hoskongs, 12 Ronnie Webb, David Perry, Alan Smith, 10 Scott Sage, Andrew Gregory. Most Tries: 10 Alan Smith, 9 Lee Davies (incl 5 in 1 match), 8 Jason Quirke, 6 Ronnie Webb, Scott Sage Andrew Gregory, Nick Doherty. Most Points:   

3^RD XV 1991-2. P21 W13 L6 D2 PF 397 PA 245. Wins against Neath Athletic 10-4, Glyncorrwg 15-14, Brackla 23-16, Nantyfyllon 38-8 and 9-4, Fraunda 50-8, Tongwynlais 26-3, Old Illtydians 46-22, Tondu 13-4, Old Penarthians 10-9, Pencoed 30-17, Maesteg Celtic 31-6, Llanharan 12-3. Draws Ely 20-20, Maesteg Quins 9-9.

Captain Tony Griffiths. Most Appearances 18 Jason Quirke, 17 Ian Holman, 16 Rob Woolcock, S.John, 14 P.Petit, 13 Tony Griffiths, 12 Ronnie Webb, Barry John. Most Tries: 7 Tony Griffiths, 6 D.Davies. Most Points: 85 Jason Quirke, 38 Stuart Morris, 28 Tony Griffiths, 26 Ross Walker, Huw Hathaway, 24 Andrew Gregory.

3^rd XV 92-93. P25 W18 L6 D1 PF 527 PA 253. Team reached final Federation Cup losing 6-9 to Pencoed at Maesteg and drew 10-10 with Kenfig Hill in the final of the Lynsports Cup at Pyle.

Wins against Tondu 21-12, Newport C.S. 24-12, Pontycymmer 20-17, Blaengarw 25-10, Brackla 9-6, Maesteg Celtic 29-0, Pyle 11-10, Bridgend Sports 89-13, Taibach 56-0, Glyncorrwg 9-5, Pencoed 56-8, Llanharan 12-8.

Captain Tony Grifiths. Most Apps: 24 Tony Griffiths, 19 Ronnie Webb, 17 S.John, Huw Jones, 12 Nigel Discombe, Rob Woolcock. Most Tries: Wayne Yardley, 6 Tony Griffiths, Ronnie Webb. Most Points: 55 Jason Quirke, 49 Huw Hathaway, 37 Wayne Yardley.

3^rd XV 1993-94 Results to Xmas 1993. P7 W6 L1 PF 154 PA 81. Wins against Caerphilly 31-3, Kenfig Hill 44-12, Pontrhydyfen 12-6, Nantyfyllon 25-8, Llanharan 16-14, Glyncorrwg 23-9.

Captain Tony Griffiths. Most Apps: 7 Ronnie Webb, 6 Tony Griffiths, J.Roderick, 5 David James, Phil John, Damien McGluckin, Jason Quirke. Tries: 5 Ronnie Webb, 2 J.Roderick, Tony Griffiths. Most Points: 53 Jason Quirke, 25 Ronnie Webb.

Overall Stats 1sts, 2nds & 3rds 1990-1994

P271 W178 L87 D6 PF 5826 PA 3566 Win % 65.7% Av Points / Game PF 21.5 PA 13

An excellent record of consistency across all 3 senior sides.

Youth XV 1990-91. P26, W14, L12 PF 586 PA 357.

Defeated 3-18 in District Cup Final by Pencoed. Defeated 7-14 by Neath Colts in 3^rd Round of Esso Cup after defeating Llandybie 48-6 and Tondu 18-9 in earlier rounds. Did well against local sides – other wins against Tonmawr 46-12, Pontycymmer 24-0 and 28-16, Nantymoel 50-10, Oakdale 38-11, RTB Ebbw Vale 27-15, Maesteg Celtic 42-8 and 60-0, Bridgend 48-6, Llantrisant 18-15, Heol Y Cyw 42-12.

Captain Lee Grabham. Wales U18 Cap Paul Jones. Most Appearances 24 Jason Wallace, 23 P.Bater, Wayne Yardley, 22 Lloyd Gilby, Lee Grabham, 22 Lee Watts, 20 H.James, Peter Roberts. Most Tries: Peter Roberts 16, Lee Grabham 14, P.Bater 12, L.Knowles 11. Most Points Peter Roberts 125, L.Knowles 103.

Sadly seasons 1992-94 saw the Athletic fail to raise a side, which highlighted the future importance to the club of the emerging conveyor belt of talent from the newly formed M&J section in 1989-90 season. The youth reformed season 1994-95 with Neil Vaughan as captain and Phil Rees coach with matchday assistance from the committee in particular Pat Watts and Roy Huntley.

Player Profiles 1990-1995

Unfortunately, no records for season 1994-95 and 1997-98 and no 2^nd XV records between 1995-2003 so many 2nd XV players appearances would have been higher. In 1992 the value of a try increased from 4 points to 5.

John Doherty – Scrum Half

264 Apps, 205 1^sts XV, 36 tries and 183 points

Made 1^ST XV debut back in 1992 and last complete season in 1^ST XV 2006-2007 fifteen seasons later. John who played through seasons 2001-2003 when unfortunately, no stats were recorded would almost certainly now see him in the rare 300 Ath Apps Club.

John’s 205 1^st XV Apps is the 11^th highest recorded and his 36 1^ST XV tries the 18^th highest recorded.

Long term half back partner of Stuart Morris which saw the clubs climb 5 divisions. John was a great passer and tactical kicker. He was always awake to openings and trying to speed up play with tap penalties.

Winner of many MOM and POY awards and one of 15 Ath players awarded a club cap.

Adrian Kelly – Prop

197 Apps, 58 1sts XV, 9 tries and 47 points

Debut for 1^st XV season 1990-91 after 2^nd XV games previous season. Played mixture of 1sts & 2nds until 200-2001. No stats 2001-2003. From 20003-2010 played 2^nd team rugby. Was awarded a Club Cap for commitment over 20 years in the front row – giving equal commitment to whatever side he played for.

Though like Wayne Fooks relatively light for a prop made up with technique and a never say die attitude on the field.

Wayne Yardley – Centre

112 Apps, 74 1^sts XV, 28 tries and 140 points

Brother of current Ath Youth Team and former 1^ST XV Coach Paul, Wayne first featured in senior rugby season 1993-1994. He was on the bench for the 2001-2002 Silver Ball Final.

Wayne an ebullient and wise cracking character was a strong running powerful centre with a good 25% average try scoring record per game.

Andrew Tellem – Wing

88 Apps, 68 1sts XV, 24 tries and 120 points

Following scoring 4 tries for Bridgend Sports against the Athletic to overcome a 20-point Cup Tie deficit, Andrew crossed the river and carried on his explosive try scoring by crossing for 47 tries in 88 games since his debut in 1995-96.

Later in his career season 2001-2002 he captained the 2^nd XV and in one team talk told his players I am “The General” do as I say. That stuck and he was nicknamed the General from then on.

He was highly respected both on and off the field and after joining the committee rose to become Club Chairman.

Following his untimely passing the 2^ND XV rebranded as “The Generals” where both his sons Matthew and George have appeared continuing the club Tellem legacy.

Jason Wallace – 2^ND Row

76 Apps, 36 1sts XV, 14 tries and 65 points

A very Athletic player at home at lock or 2^ND row. Always in support with good try scoring record. Good in the line out and a strong runner and sound in defence. His job limited his appearances on many Saturday afternoons.

Gareth Bartlett – No 8

74 Apps, 51 1sts XV, 12 tries and 60 points

Gareth “Bailey” Bartlett first appeared sharing appearances between 1^ST & 2^nd XV in 1999-2000 season. No stats between 2001-2003 but in season 2003-2004 was a regular 1^ST XV player making 29 appearances in the back row that season. He disappeared following season 2005-2006. However, when the 1sts had a lock crisis in 2017-2018, he came back making 4 appearances before a serious bicep’s injury curtailed his comeback.

Gareth’s aggressive running and ball carrying struck fear into the opposition and one of the characters of the game, he is extremely popular with players and supporters alike.

Mark Beynon - Prop

53 Apps, 30 1^st XV – 7 tries and 34 points

In 1991-92 propped alongside Haydn Lewis on 22 occasions for 1^ST XV. A good sound scrummager, and sound in defence .and useful around the field.7 tries in 53 Apps a good ratio for a front row forward.

Russel Edmunds - Centre

49 Apps, 4 1^ST XV – 17 tries and 71 points

Russel was a powerfully built centre who was difficult to stop when in his stride giving him a better than 1 in 3 games try ratio.

Jason Forkin – Second Row

47 Apps, 40 1sts XV, 1 try and 5 points.

Jason was a particularly good line out forward and very Athletic around the field, good in loose and tight. Partnered both Darren Thomas and John Hughes in the Athletic boilerhouse.

Phil Norton - Prop

41 Apps, 5 1sts, 5 tries and 22 points

A mobile prop and good scrummager.

Peter Roberts – Centre

37 Apps, 19 1sts XV, 19 tries and 76 points

Peter was a tall, strong, and extremely quick centre who used his power and pace to average a try every other game. Also, a good tackler in defence.

Scott Sage – Outside Half

37 Apps, 8 1 sts XV, 14 tries and 59 points

Scott was a reliable talented outside half always looking for the chance to make a break and a good finisher as 14 tries in 37 Apps testifies. Good tactical and touch kicker.

Mike Phillips - Hooker

34 Apps, 7 1^STS XV, 2 tries and 8 points

Mike was a good hooker when the team had exceptional hookers like Keri Townley and Adrian Phillips limiting his 1^ST XV chances. A good scrummager and lively in the loose.

Dean Dent - Prop

36 Apps, 17 1^sts XV

Dean was an extraordinarily strong prop and good scrummager. Carried well and sound defensively.

Phil Pook – Centre

31 Apps, 6 1^sts XV, 13 tries and 63 points.

Phil was a tall hard running centre with a good hand off and credible 13 tries in 31 Apps. Also, good defensively. His company sponsored the Athletic for several seasons.

Stuart Rich - Centre

31 Apps, 22 1sts XV, 5 tries and 25 points.

A good centre who played alongside Ath stalwart Paul Rees on several occasions. A skillful centre who fed try scoring passes to Stuart Morris playing on the wing in season 92-93. Stuart could also cross the whitewash himself.

Alan Henson – Prop

25 Apps all 1sts XV, 2 tries and 10 points.

Joined the Athletic as a player coach and captain in season 93-94 after an illustrious career captaining Maesteg. Brought experience and knowhow to the Athletic pack with his leadership qualities, Part of formidable Ath front row with fellow prop Haydn Lewis and Wales U21 hooker Adrian Phillips. His son Gavin watched many games – probably picking up tips from the Ath backs!!!

Paul Davies – Scrum Half

25 Apps, 24 1sts XV, 5 tries and 25 points.

Joined from Pencoed. A quick-thinking scrum half and tactician with a good try average of 1 every 5 games. Played against Swansea in a 6^th Round Schweppes Cup Tie.

Justin Thomas – Scrum Half

23 Apps all for 1^STS XV, 7 tries and 35 points.

Partnered Richard Dyke season 93-94 in a very attack mined half back pairing. Both half backs always looking to create openings. A quick player difficult to stop with a good try scoring record of 7 in 23 Apps.

Jeremy Davies – 2^nd Row

20 Apps all for 1^ST XV, 1 try and 5 points

Jeremy an exceptionally tall player who was brought to the club by coach Wayne Hall. As expected, Julian ruled the lineout. He was also very quick around the field and a good support runner.

Arwel Parry – Centre

18 Apps all for 1sts XV, 3 tries and 81 points.

While Alan Henson brought experience to the forwards in 93-94 Arwel Parry arrived from Bridgend to help martial a back line playing outside half backs Justin Thomas and Richard Dyke. Arwel also an exceptionally reliable goalkicker. Club Coach in season 1994-95.

Richard Evans – Wing

16 Apps for 2nds &3rds, 1 try and 5 points.

Richard was always enthusiastic and a quick wing who was very committed in attack and defence.

Damien McGluckin -Scrum half

16 Apps, 15 1sts, 1 try and 5 points

Damien had a good brain and tactical awareness for the game, knowing when to kick or bring his backs into play.

Played many more games for 2^nd XV captaining the side season 1997-98 when unfortunately, no records kept.