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The years 1980-85 were incredibly significant for the Athletic with the club acquiring the lease of the Wexa club enabling major renovation work to become BARFC’s Official Headquarters. Also enabling the club to become full WRU members. A 3^rd Senior Team was formed, and the club enjoyed great playing success, coming far in a short period from its founding season 1972-73. This and those mainly responsible will now be discussed.

As briefly mentioned in years 1977-80 following discussions with the Wexa Committee with Ath President Peter Wood, Life Member Jeff Jenkins and Chairman Phil Rees prominent in negotiations , it was agreed BARFC would take over the lease of the Wexa Club which finally materialised on  March 11^th 1980. The Wexa membership was given BARFC honorary membership and continued using the club as their headquarters.

The committee then embarked on an ambitious scheme to gut, extend and completely renovate the clubhouse. New member Banker David Burt chaired a subcommittee including Treasurer Steve Pilliner, Chairman Phil Rees & Secretary Brian Lewis in discussions with parties to acquire a loan for the work. Eventually Welsh Brewers (now Coors) loaned the club £25K and work began. It also meant the club changing from Courage beers to the Welsh Brewers range.

Work began in earnest with accompanying pictures showing the shell of the club after ripping it apart. Prominent in the rebuild were Builder Barrie Thomas and club founder Brian Lewis. Considerable contributions were made by Plasterers Jeff Jenkins and player Paul “Rocky” Hiley, with Clive Easterbrook doing the electrics, despite actually being banned from club for part of the time following a little “misunderstanding” one evening in the clubhouse. Many other members and players contributed by carrying out necessary labouring tasks. Although it was hard work there were some amusing moments like discovering an underground cellar that needed filling in and Brian Lewis perplexed by cutting joists to the measurements, he was given only to find them too long. It finally dawned that Mike Rennie was standing on the old joists as he measured them causing them to bow and give the extra length.

Another memorable event saw Patron David Williams and his son John “Shoulders” Williams astonishingly lift the long RSJ into place supporting the the roof of the downstairs bar,

Work was completed and the start of season 1982-83 coinciding with the club having been formed 10 years commenced. A commemorative game was played on the Brewery Field against an Invitation XV brought together by British Lion Gareth Williams Select XV on Thursday Sep 30^th. Gareth’s team included a British Lion, 5 Welsh Internationals, 5 Welsh B Caps and four other first-class players, with 5 of that team former Ath players.

Following the game on September 30^th, 1982 Bridgend Athletic RFC Clubhouse was officially opened by the legendary British Lion and Welsh Captain Dr Jack Matthews who was born at the clubhouse on 21^st June 1920. Clive Easterbrook and his wife Beryl organised a superb buffet.

Dr Jack recalled his happy memories living at the then house and at Bridgend Grammar school where he was Sprint Champion. Also, he was a good boxer and during the war boxed a drawn contest with an American soldier named Rocky Marciano, who later became an undefeated World heavyweight champion winning all 50 bouts. To round of the evening Dr Jack presented the Ath with one of his precious 5 Welsh jerseys. In his days you only had one jersey per season and his wife had to wash and repair that jersey.

That season 1982-83 the club had attracted sufficient players to officially start a 3^RD XV senior side, though they had played a few 3^RD XV games the previous season.

In season 1983-84 the club became full members of the WRU – a very notable achievement 11 years from its founding.

The women’s section of the club continued to thrive. Started with Vera, Pam and Beryl preparing players food in the 70’s, the Athletic players continued to enjoy excellent post-match food thanks to the likes of Maureen, Sheena, Joyce, Amanda, Helen & Tricia. An Athletic Ladies Darts team also thrived with Maureen, Sheena, Barbara, Pam, Hilary Carol and Mair throwing arrows in a local lady’s darts league.

Also, Porthcawl Ladies hockey team with Arwel Phillip’s wife Jackie a team member used BARFC clubhouse as a base during the 80’s. A pic shows an Ath team who played against them at hockey.

Another feature was a well-attended family quiz night on a Sunday night with Quizmaster Peter “Bamber” Gaytten compering and setting the questions.

I980-85 Club Officials.

President – Peter Wood, Chairmen - Phil Rees, Barrie Morris, Treasurers - Mike Rennie, Steve Pilliner, Barrie Morris, Club Secretary – Brian Lewis, Youth Secretary David Davison

Committee and additions / replacements  1980-85 - Stephen Preece, Keith Morgan, Lyn Grabham, Phil Rees, Peter Gayten, John Boon, Kevin James, Terry Thomas, Steve Pilliner, Graham Pilliner, Tony Griffiths, Keri Beer ,Dave Davison, Adrian Bevan, Joffre Hodges, Gareth Davies, Barrie Morris, Vaughan Price, David Burt, Owen Fenwick, Meirion Phillips, Adrian Burt, Glan Hitchings, Peter Morgan, Clive Easterbrook

Social Secs - Gareth Davies, David Burt, Graham Pilliner, Phil Rees.

Trustees – Messrs, Jeff Jenkins, Malcolm Sawyer, Peter Wood, David Jenkins

Patrons – David Williams and John Apsee Snr

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

1980-85 Match Officials, Coaches and Captains

Fixture Sec - Clive Easterbrook, Club Coaches -Adrian Thomas 80-81, Lyn Davies 81-84, Steve Penry-Ellis 84-85, Youth Coaches - Malcolm Hubber 80-82, Peter Morgan 82-85 Assistant Youth Coach 81-83 Gareth Williams

Club Captains

1sts - Alan Jones, Howard Leyshon, Stephen Preece, David Perry, Gavin Hall 85-88

2nds – Arwel Phillips, David Perry 81-83, Tony Griffiths 83-85

3rds John Prime 82-84, Tim Pound

Youth – Mark John, Paul Webb, Robert Laforges, Chris.Lynn 83-85

1980-85 Playing Records

In 1982-83 season Barrie Morris began the painstaking bookkeeping records of Club Statistics. We owe Barrie a debt for enabling most of the last 40 years team and player achievements of BARFC. carried on by Adrian Burt in season 2003-2004 to exist.

With the Youth formed season 76-77 now providing senior team players numbers had grown, so in 1982-83 season as previously mentioned the Ath officially started a 3^RD XV with hooker John Prime as Captain. They had played a few games the previous season without an official captain. Also, Arwel points out that on March 15^th 1978 on an Easter Tour while the 1^st XV played Avonmouth Civil Service, a 3^RD XV played their 2^ND XV while back in Wales on that day a 2^nd XV played St Josephs.

Now owning the lease on their own clubhouse, the Athletic cumulated sufficient points to meet the WRU criteria for full membership, so in season 1983-84 the Club became full members of the WRU.

In 1980-81 the 1^ST XV won the Enoch Lewis Cup Final defeating Maesteg Quins 9-3 at the Maesteg RFC, having defeated Pyle 6-0 in the Semi Final.

In season 82-83 the 2^ND XV won the Lynn Sports Cup defeating Pencoed 2^ND XV 28-10 in the final. Scrum half Keri Beer and flanker Gerwyn Phillips both crossed for two tries with outside half John Evans adding 3 conversions and 2 penalties.

 The U21 side formed 1977-78 with Arwel Phillips as captain were also successful in season 1980-81 defeating Blaengarw 10 – 6 in the final of the U21 District Cup after overcoming Pyle 10-9 in the Semi Final. In season 83-84 Blaengarw U21 reversed the result defeating the Ath U21 in the same competition 12 (3P, DG) – 8(2T), with hooker Tim Wood and wing Andrew Evans crossing for the Ath tries.

The U21 again missed out in season 84-85 losing 14-10 to Kenfig Hill in the final. Wing Martin Miller scored the Ath try, with scrum half Chris Lynn kicking two penalties.

Season 80-81 was also successful for the Ath Youth winning the Bridgend 7’S defeating Blaengarw 22-10 in the final claiming the scalps of Bridgend Sports 8-4, Llanharan 8-6 and Pyle 14-6 on the way there. Ath scrum half Robert Laforge was Man of Tournament. That season they also won the Boys Clubs of Wales and Llanharan 7’s. They reached the League Cup Finals in successive seasons 81-82 and 82-83 losing 13-7 to Pencoed and winning 9-7 against Bryncethin.

In 1984-85 the Ath Senior Squad having won the Mid District 7’s went on to represent them and win the Welsh District 7’s Final. Squad that day Martin Morris (Capt), Jeff Lynn, Simon Apsee, Paul Webb, David Perry, Peter Morgan, Alun Hitchings, Guy Evans, Mike Miller, Paul Rees and Kelvyn Leyshon.

Huw Hathaway and Mike Miller became Welsh District Caps adding to Alan Jones a captain, Stephen Preece and Dan Boon.

The Ath has always prided itself as a family club and a Gazette article “Ruggerly Love”dated May 19^th, 1983 featured in pics highlights this. It reads “13 pairs of brothers and one family of 4 played for the club this season – enough to make up two teams. Those families were Phillips, Morgan, Evans, Ward, Doherty, Lynn, Miller, Prime, Ress, Rees, Thomas, Webb, Greenslade and Holman.”

Outside half John Evans 195 2^ND XV points in season 1982-83 remains a club record.

The overall playing records of all 3 Senior and Youth teams was commendable in the three seasons 82-85 with the 1^ST XV playing 110 games averaging 37 games a season

1^STXV Played 110 Won 72 Lost 31 Drew 7 Win % 65%.

2^ND XV Played 90 Won 64 Lost 22 Drew 6 Win % 71%

3^RD XV Played 56 Won 32 Lost 21 Drew 3 Win % 57%

Youth XV Played 90 Won 66 Lost 20 Drew 4 Win % 73%

Overall Club Seniors and Youth Played 346 Won 232 Lost 94 Drew 20 Win % 67

By the end of 1985 in 13 years since its founding the club had many playing achievements.

1^st XV – 2 Enoch Lewis Cup Finals (1 as winners),3 Lyn Sports League Finals, 6 District 7’s finals (2 as winners), 2 Welsh District 7’s titles, 1 prestigious Bridgend 7’s title, 5 WDRU International Players.

2^ND XV – 2 Lyn Sports Finals

U21 XV – 4 District Finals (1 as winners).

Youth – 3 District Finals (1 as winners, 1 shared), 2 Bridgend 7’s Finals (1 as winners), 3 District 7’s Finals (2 as winners), 3 District League Tries Trophies. Numerous BCOW Caps,

Player Profiles 1980-85

Note – we only have recorded player Apps from 1982 so many players below will have made more appearances than shown. Also, in 1980’s a try was only worth 4 points.

Martin Morris – Outside Half

303 Apps, 258 1^St XV – 88 tries and 1341 points.

A crowd pleasing outside half who could turn on the magic.

Martin’s 303 Senior Apps is 7^th highest recorded with 258 in 1^ST XV 6^th highest. His 1341 senior points are the 4^th highest as are his 1125 1^ST XV points also the 4^th highest. His 88 senior tries are the 9^th highest, while 72 of those are the 7^th highest 1^S XV tries. 331 1^ST XV points in a season is the second highest.

Gary Dalton – Lock Forward

302 Apps, 142 1^st XV – 13 tries and 52 points

A wholehearted performer good in lineout and loose and an excellent clubman – still active with arranging Old Boys reunions and their Match Sponsorship.

His 302 Senior Apps is the 8^th highest recorded, with 142 of those the second highest 2^ND XV Apps. Captained the 2^nd XV later in his career for three seasons 1990-93.

Kelvyn Leyshon – Wing

272 Apps, 130 1^st XV - 193 tries (86 1^ST XV) and 791 points.

A strongly built powerful wing extremely hard to stop once up to speed.

Kelvyn’s 272 Senior Appearances is the 10^th highest recorded, with 113 of those the 8^th highest for the 2^nd XV. His 198 senior tries are the highest recorded, with 86 the 5^th highest 1^st XV tries, while the 92 tries for the 2^nd XV is the highest 2^ND XV tries. His 29 1^ST XV tries in a season is the 3^rd highest and overall, 791 senior points the 7^th highest.

Alan Smith – Centre

265 Apps, 21 1^st XV – 85 tries and 411 points

Alan “Wolfie” Smith is a very charismatic character and strong running centre. His priority after a game was to find out how his beloved Wrexham had done and then what round he was in!!

His 265 senior Apps is the 11^th highest recorded, with 132 for the 2^nd XV the 5^th highest and 111 Apps for the 3rd XV the 3^rd highest. His 23 2^ND XV tries are the 18^th highest, while his 52 3^rd XV tries the 3^rd highest.

Haydn Lewis – Prop

260 Apps, 191 1^ST xv – 8 tries and 35 points.

Haydn “Harpo” Lewis was an outside half in his younger days but converted into one of the best Ath props who was a strong scrummager and excellent ball handler in the loose. Neath offered him trials, but he was happy to stay in Green & Gold.

His 260 senior Apps is the 13^th highest recorded, with 191 for the 1^ST XV the 14^th highest.

Martin Miller – Wing

219 Apps – 170 1^ST XV – 146 tries and 587 points.

Martin was the younger brother of Mike and both were formidable players for the Ath over many years. Martin though small in stature was like lightening on the wing and could beat his opponents with speed and a sidestep.

Rob Woolcock – Lock

211 Apps, 79 1^st XV – 12 tries and 51 points

Rob was a strong reliable lock who added strength to the scrum and carried well in the loose, A good clubman who still follows the Ath.

Paul Webb – Centre

207 Apps, 183 1^ST XV -57 tries and 233 points

One of the Webb dynasty still very much associated with the Ath and father of British Lion and Welsh International Rhys. Paul started at lock in the Athletic Youth team in the late 70’S, before successfully converting to the centre. He was immensely powerful and strong in attack and defence forming a great partnership with Paul Rees.

His 57 senior tries are the 14^th highest recorded with 47 for the 1^ST XV the 9^th highest.

Michael Evans – Prop

192 Apps, 140 1^ST XV – 19 tries and 73 points.

Michael was a big prop who was an immensely powerful scrummager in a generally lightweight pack. For his size he was also mobile with a good try scoring record of 1 in 10 games for a prop forward.

Lee Davies – No 8

188 Apps, 171 1^ST XV – 92 tries and 377 points.

Lee is the son of former Wales wing and Ath coach during some of Lee’s playing career Lyn “Tanky” Davies. An extremely well built and powerful back row forward with the speed of a back. A tremendous try scoring record of 92 tries in his 188 Apps.

The 92 tries are the 7^th highest senior tries recorded, while 73 for the 1^ST XV the 6^th highest and the highest by a forward. Lee’s 16 1^ST XV tries in a season is the 10^th highest.

Nick Doherty – Lock

187 Apps, 13 1^ST XV – 16 tries and 64 points

One of many Doherty’s to don the green and gold jersey. A tall rangy lock nicknamed “Sticks” good in the lineout and quick around the field. Quite a character in the clubhouse. His 123 2^ND XV Apps is the 7^th highest recorded.

Johnny Pascoe – Full Back

186 Apps, 21 1^ST XV – 34 tries and 279 points

A steady reliable full back with a good ratio of tries per game as an attacking full back. Also good under the high ball and a goal kicker.

Ian Holman – Prop

184 Apps, 61 1^ST XV – 11 tries and 50 points

A particularly good clubman over many years and a good scrummaging prop. Liked to be in the thick of the action. Played as late as 2018 in a one-off game when the 2^ND XV was short of a player. A former committeeman who was given an Athletic Cap for his long services to BARFC. His son Nathan now a 1^ST XV hooker and coaching the U8 M&J side where the third generation of Homan’s wears the Ath Green & Gold.

David Jones – Flanker

171 Apps, 96 1^ST XV – 46 tries and 184 points.

David was a big strong and very quick flanker always in the thick of the action. His fitness and support play saw him cross for 41 tries at better than a try every 4 games.

His 30 1^ST XV tries are the17^th highest recorded.

Barry Kenworthy – Prop

170 Apps for 2^nd & 3^rd XV’s

Barry was a big prop who shored up the 2^nd and 3^rd XV scrums as well as the Ath bar on match days – a thoroughly likeable character whose 71 3^RD XV Apps is the 6^th highest.

Ross Walker – outside half, Full Back

169 Apps, 6 1^ST XV – 15 tries and 1098 points

Ross was a particularly good rugby technician with an exceptionally reliable boot, and still supports the Ath club.

Ross 110 2^nd XV Apps I the 9^th highest recorded. His 1098 senior points is the 5^th highest recorded, while the 820 for the 2^nd XV is the highest 2^nd XV points recorded. His 173 2^nd XV points in a season is the 3^rd highest while his total of 257 3^rd XV points is also the 3^rd highest. He also coached the youth team.

Jonothan James – Centre

164 Apps, 58 1^st XV – 38 tries and 167 points

Jonothan “Jay” James was a tall rangy quick centre with a good try scoring ratio. His son Ellis now plays for the Generals.

His 106 2^ND XV Apps is the 10^th highest recorded and his 25 2^ND XV tries is the 16^th highest recorded.

Alun Hitchings – Hooker

162 Apps, 58 1sts – 20 tries and 217 points

Alun was a very mobile and excellent hooker with great ball handling skills and a good 7’s player. His support play saw him achieve a good 1 try per 8 games ratio for a front row forward. His father Glan started supporting him late 1970’s in youth and joined the committee and for years was club baggage man. Even now at 93 years of age Glan a life member is a regular on the touchline and the Ath clubhouse and is one of 14 appointed life members of the club.

Mark Ward – Hooker

152 Apps, 83 1^st XV – 16 tries and 66 points

Mark was a formidably strong hooker who was a strong ball carrier and had a good try scoring record for a hooker. Often after a long post-match drinking session found fast asleep in the clubhouse!

David James – Flanker, Lock

148 Apps, 24 1^ST XV – 24 tries and 105 points

David was a tall Athletic lock or flanker particularly good in the line out and loose play who knew the way to the try line.

Terry Greenslade – Flanker

147 Apps, 92 1^ST XV – 22 tries and 90 points

Terry is the brother of former Cardiff hooker and former Ath coach Ian. Like his brother Terry was the hard man of the Athletic pack who never took a backward step and was feared by opponents. He was a vey inspirational player always in the thick of the action.

Peter Morgan – Centre

138 Apps, 47 1^ST XV – 22 tries and 126 points

Strong hard running centre who coached the Ath Youth and became a committeeman and fixture secretary and chairman.

Robert Laforge – Scrum Half

116 Apps, 90 1^ST XV – 45 tries and 456 points

A very quick, strong, and speedy scrum half always looking to exploit a gap.

His 38 1^ST XV tries are the 10^th highest recorded. His 400 1^st XV tries are the 9^th highest recorded, while his 287 1^ST XV points in a season is the 4^th highest recorded.

Tim Wood – Hooker

108 Apps, 15 1^ST XV – 9 tries and 36 points

Son of former long-term Club President & Club Trustee Peter, Tim was a strong mobile hooker good in the tight and loose. Scored a try in the 1983-84 season Under 21 Cup Final 12-8 defeat against Blaengarw.

John Evans – Outside Half

96 Apps, 22 1^st XV – 11 tries and 736 points

A good tactical outside half whose strength was getting the line moving and tactical kicking. A reliable goal kicker whose 736 senior points are, the 9^th highest recorded, while his 326 2^nd XV points 7^th highest recorded. Holds record for most 2^nd XV points in a season with 195 season 1982-83.

Jeff Lynn – Centre, Wing

88 Apps, 78 1^st XV – 47 tries and 195 points

A tall well-built exceptionally quick wing who scored a remarkable 47 tries in his 88 Apps prompting local clubs Maesteg and Bridgend to come calling.

His 46 1^ST XV tries is the 9^th highest recorded

Steve Thomas – Outside half, Centre

87 Apps for 2^nd XV and 3rds – 26 tries 486 points.

Steve “Scut” Thomas was a small built outside half whose first thought was to run the ball. Very brave in both attack and defence and a good goal kicker.

His 381 3^rd team points is the highest for the 3^RD XV.

David Phillips – Flanker

63 Apps for 2^nd and 3^RD XV’s – 9 tries and 42 points

One of 4 Phillips brothers playing for the Ath during the 80’s alongside Arwel, Gerwyn and Meirion.

David was an enthusiastic flanker always where the action was. His support play gave him a good try ratio of 1 per 7 games.

John Brace – Flanker

60 Apps, 25 1^ST XV – 22 tries and 88 points

A quick tall flanker covering all the field. Good tackler and support player earning him better than a try every 3 games.

Steve Doherty – Lock, Flanker

59 Apps, 25 1^st XV – 22 tries and 88 points

One of the Doherty clan. A strong hard player good in both attack and defence with an eye for a try with a better than 1 try per 3 games played.

Andrew Wlliamson – Centre, Wing

59 Apps, 24 1^ST XV – 41 tries and 164 points

Andrew “Bubbles” Williamson was a powerful well-built and extremely quick centre or wing who could beat an opponent with pace or power running straight through him. An exceptional try scoring record with 41 tries in 59 games. Andrew also played for Bridgend.

His brother Mike also played for Ath when home on leave from the Merchant Navy.

Chris Lynn – Scrum Half

47 Apps, 7 1^st XV – 18 tries and 119 points

Brother of Jeff and a good technical scrum half with astute tactical kicking and an eye for an opening. In his youth played for BCOW. Also accomplished goal kicker. Made his senior debut while captaining the youth for 2 seasons 84-85.

Good try scoring ratio of 18 in 47 games.

Martin Sims – Lock

44 Apps, 25 1^ST XV – 1 try and 4 points

Martin was a no nonsense take no prisoners lock – good in the line out and as a ball carrier and loose forward. His son Lee won Wales u18 caps while playing for Ath youth.

Alan Evans – Outside Half

39 Apps, 30 1^ST XV – 16 tries and 108 points

A particularly good outside half with excellent footwork and ball skills. Able to score tries regularly and kick goals.

Steve Yeo – Centre

37 Apps, 1 1^ST XV – 4 tries and 36 points

A quick elusive centre – also wing, and part time goal kicker.

Simon Apsee – Flanker

36 Apps, 29 1^ST XV – 5 tries and 22 points

Simon was a well-built quick and immensely powerful flanker who joined Bridgend from the Ath. His father John became the first Patron of the club with David Williams and a major benefactor and sponsor of the club through his Furniture Removal business J.H.Apsee and Sons.

His son Rhodri a prop followed his father to Bridgend Ravens from the Ath. Simon and Rhodri remain one of the Ath main sponsors today. Simon’s mother Pam helped with post-match catering, while his brother John is the current Ath Head coach.

John Williams – No 8

35 Apps, 29 1^ST XV – 10 tries and 40 points

John “Shoulders” Williams was a powerful No 8 in both the Ath Youth and then senior teams with 10 tries in his 35 recorded Apps before joining Maesteg. His father David part owner of J.G Plant with current Treasurer Terry Coles came to become a club benefactors and did a lot of building renovation of the club between 1980 and 82.

Amazingly John and his father manually lifted into place the main RSJ running along the roof of the downstairs bar. John’s mother Vera also assisted with post-match catering.

Gary Sheridan – Scrum Half

30 Apps, 25 1^ST XV – 13 tries and 52 points

Gary was an exceptional scrum half built like Terry Holmes who was difficult for opponents to stop from the base of the scrum. One of his 13 tries came against Cardiff in a 4^th Round Swalec Cup Tie against Cardiff in 1988-89 season at the Arms Park.

Paul Harris – Lock

27 Apps, 3 1^ST XV – 3 tries and 12 points

Paul Harris was a mobile lock – good in the line out. His father Jack was involved at one time in the Ath youth set up..

Barrie Thomas – Centre

23 Apps for 2^nd and 3^rd XV’s – 2 tries and 8 points.

Barrie was a strong centre who owned a building company. He was very prominent in gutting the old Wexa club and rebuilding the existing Ath clubhouse between June 1980 and its official opening in Sept 1982.

His immense contribution has been recognised as one of 14 appointed Club Life Members.

Chris Howe – Hooker

17 Apps for 2^nd and 3^rd XV’s – 3 tries and 12 points

Chris Howe came through the Youth team in the late 70’s and was an accomplished hooker. Joined Navy so limited time with Ath.

He is the father of current Club Captain Ben.

Steve Penry- Ellis – No 8

8 Apps, 6 1^ST XV – 2 tries and 8 Points

Steve Penry-Ellis was a regular and well renowned No 8 for Bridgend who made occasional appearances for the Athletic. He also coached the Ath 1^ST XV season 84-85 and later helped coach an Ath Youth team that won the Welsh Youth Cup.

His son Tom Penry-Ellis made 152 Appearances for the Athletic before joining Glamorgan Wanderers.

Barrrie Morris – Full Back

Barrie1 App for 3^RD xv – 1 try and 4 points.

After a distinguished career with Maesteg, Llanharan, Cefn Cribbwr and other clubs Barrie took up refereeing before joining the Ath where having done every committee and rugby admin job in the club he was made a life member. Despite all his achievements Barrie was extremely proud to have pulled on the Green and Gold of the Athletic to assist the 3rds when short and scoring a try in his only Ath game.

His son Stuart holds almost every Ath playing record with Appearances and points and currently is Ath Backs coach as well as administering the 100 Club Fund Raising Monthly Draw.