News

Admiral National Leagues – Div 1 West Central – May 6^th, 2023

Unfortunately, a 78^TH minute Glynneath try resulting in 24-19 visitors win, marred Wayne Fooks 500^th Ath senior appearance for the Ath, and also gained revenge for an earlier 17-16 win the Ath recorded at Glynneath.

Whereas the Ath produced a fully committed energy packed display against league Champions Bonymaen, they appeared tired during an error racked game at the Ath Brewery Field. There were 3 bright spots with good tries for Ath leading try scorers wing Lochie Barron 2 and outside half Ieuan Evans, but missing touch from 4 penalties and all to often finding touch direct from outside the Ath 22 summed up a disjointed display. No doubt the team lacked the leadership of 6 times captain Ben Howe, whose inspiration drags that bit extra from the team.

The Ath took an early lead when wing Lochie Barron gathered a clearance kick 35 metres out on the touchline and weaved his way inside past 3 defenders to cross under the posts. Scrum half Aled Thomas added the extras to lead 7-0. Ath prop Jacob Perkins stole a lineout 8 metres out and broke for the line, but had the ball dislodged as he crossed the try line. Both sides failed to overcome a slippery ball, but Glynneath capitalised on the Ath conceding two penalties in front of their posts for outside half Dylan Francis to bring his side within a point of the Ath at half time.

Glynneath started the second half strongly and in the 45th minute drove a 5-metre line out maul over the try line to lead 11-7.

This prompted the Ath to make 4 changes all in the pack with Rhodri Apsee and Evan Yardley coming on in the front row, Jon Stoker at Lock and Matthew Bennett in the back row.

On an occasion the Ath did move quick ball inside their own 22 it brought dividends. Prop Rhodri Apsee broke clear and excellent passing at speed from youth players McKenzie Grey and Gabe Brown saw Ath leading try scorer outside half Ieuan Evans race over in the corner for his 11^th try of the season. Thomas converted for the Ath to lead 14-11.

This was not to last as lively Glynneath scrum half Dalton Brown broke from a scrum 30 metres out to cross for an individual try and put Glynneath 16-14 ahead.

The Ath responded when prop Jacob Perkins picked up a clearance kick 30 metres out on the touchline. As the defence rushed him, he chipped over their heads. Wing Lochie Barron chased and dribbled over the line for his second try of the match and 8^th of the season, to restore the Ath’s lead at 19-16.

With 10 minutes remaining the Ath conceded a penalty for Francis to level the scores.

Glynneath were now in the ascendancy and with the Ath’s proliferate woeful kicking failing to find touch from penalties but kicking outside the 22 directly to touch they were unable to stem the visitor’s attacks.

The inevitable happened with 3 minutes remaining as scrum half Brown broke from a driving maul for his second try and victory for his team.

The club are grateful to its longest sponsor Mr Simon Apsee MD of J.H.Apsee & Sons Removals and 5 Life Members Mr David Davison, Mr Mike Rennie, Me David Burt, Mr Gareth Davies & Mr Phil Rees for sponsoring the fixture. Also, to all persons who turned out as marshals for the game.

This Saturday the Ath complete their season when they entertain promotion seeking Dunvant – again at the Brewery Field. The Ath U8 Minis and Ogwr Hawks U8 will play a tag match either side of the half way line during the warm up.