News

Bridgend Athletic Mni U7-U10 held their Annual Mini’s Festival at Bryntirion Comprehensive School on Sunday April 7^th with Ospreys Tom Habberfield present.

Sunday April 7th Bridgend Athletic Under 7s welcomed Llanharan, Cefn Cribwr, Beddau, Valley Ravens & Aberdare to their Annual Minis Festival held at Bryntirion Comprehensive School. With the Ath having 24 players available they entered 4 teams maximising game time. Each team played a total of 6 matches. Thank you to all the teams who came, players, coaches and supporters who all played their part in making it an enjoyable, memorable day. In true minis spirit every team received a trophy and every player a medal.

Sunday saw the arrival of the much-anticipated Bridgend Athletic Mini & Junior rugby festival.

The event once again took place in the playing fields of Bryntirion Comprehensive school with the 2 Ath U8’s teams welcoming 12 visiting sides, from Aberdare, Beddau (x3), Cefn Cribwr, Kenfig Hill, Llanharan (x2), Machen, Pencoed and Valley Ravens (x2).

The Ath’ boys must have been keeping a bit in the locker over recent weeks. Their performances on Sunday were nothing short of outstanding.

Throughout the day, the Ath’ players put on a display of “Total” rugby. With ball in hand they were ruthless, offloading before the tag and keeping their opposition on their toes. Their numerous tries came from a variety of sources, some from great teamwork and intricate interplay while others came from moments of individual brilliance and the odd interception thrown in for good measure. Their defence was equally as impressive with the boys showing great determination and putting their bodies on the line to stop their opponents crossing the whitewash.

Not once during what was a long day did the Bridgend boys’ enthusiasm and passion waver. They gave everything for their teammates and the Ath’ badge and judging by the smiles on their faces had a lot of fun in the process.

The Ath’ boys made their coaches and supporters very proud, not only with their fantastic display of rugby, but also their conduct on and off the field. Their behaviour was exemplary and sportsmanship faultless, even in the face of provocation by the undisciplined minority.

The day was a great success and an opportunity for the boys to show off their vast array of skills. There was plenty of game time for everyone with the Ath’ playing 12 matches in total. The opposition was tough and every team appeared to lift their own games in an attempt to turn over the hosts, but the Bridgend boys were resilient and posted a very respectable set of results, winning 6, drawing 4 and losing just 2.

Bridgend Athletic Under 9s welcomed Aberdare, Llanharan, Ystrad Rhondda & Abercrave to their annual mini’s festival. With Bridgend Athletic having 25 players available they entered two teams. “Ath 1” won all 5 of their games beating Aberdare 30-5, Abercrave 30-10, Llanharan 30-5, “Ath 2” 30-15 & Ystrad Rhondda 30-5. “Ath 2” beat Ystrad Rhondda 20-5, drew with Llanharan 10-10, lost to “Ath 1” 15-30, lost to Abercrave 5-20 and lost to Aberdare 15-20.

 Both teams put in a great shift playing five 15 mins matches. Try scorers were Ethan Davies 10, Dylan Jones 4, Ethan Morris 4, Rudi Quinn 3, Grayson Lewis Whelan 3, Harry Clark 3, Rhys Gardiner 3, Oliver Turvey 3, Mason Brown 2, Regan Henly 2, Max Edwards, Rory Whyte, Dylan Gardiner, Seth James & Osian Lord. Stand out performers in defence were Ethan Davies, Osian Kenny, Max Edwards, Rhys Gardiner, Osian Lord, William Waite & Charlie Howells.

Bridgend Athletic Under 10s welcomed Llanharan, Cowbridge, Bridgend Sports and Valley Ravens to their annual rugby tournament on Sunday. In contrast to last season’s tournament the conditions were perfect, allowing all teams to play open expansive rugby. Most teams arrived with large squads split between 2 teams ensuring mass player participation with minimal subs, giving all players 90 minutes game time. Ath "Greens" won 3 games (Ath 5 Sports 0, Ath 6 Llanharan A 1, Ath 4 Llanharen B 1) and with 2 draws (Ath 2 Cowbridge A 2, Ath 3 Cowbridge B 3). Tries scored by Jackson (8), Evan (5), Theo (3), Albert (2), Ollie (1) and Harry (1). Good ball carrying and rucking from Chaitu and Cameron, along with good line breaks from Bruce and Jack contributed to a successful afternoon for the team.

Ath "Golds" won 1 game (Ath 5 Llanharen A 1), drew 1 game (Ath 3 Ravens 3) and lost 4 games (Ath 2 Llanharan B 4, Ath 2 Sports 7, Ath 2 Cowbridge A 6, Ath 3 Cowbridge B 5). Tries scored by Charley (6), Jamie (2), Evan (2), Tomas (2), Leo (2) and single tries for Jacob, Rhys and Chaitu. Good running and rucking from Dylan and Shon allowed Monty clean ball at all the breakdowns. The boys can be proud of their performances and look forward to testing themselves next weekend at Bridgend Sports festival.

The Under 11’s travelled to Old Penarthians a team that we have never faced throughout our journey in mini and junior rugby. We knew it was going to be a tough match with Penarth having several Vale district players in their ranks. Never the less the boys started where they left off from last week and got on the score board early. 2 more quick tries put the Ath 3 tries clear. Penarth hit back through the forwards with a soft try to raise they confidence. The rest of half was dominated by the Ath, their intensity at the tackle area and the breakdown was too much for Penarth to handle. A further try before half time settled any nerves (only for the coaches) and gave the boys a further lift in confidence.

The second half started well, with the Ath half backs controlling the pace and tempo of the game. Penarth did hit back with a try through some good back line interplay, but the second half was much the same as the Ath continued to battle hard at every breakdown. Further tries were scored, and the game ended 35-10 to the Ath. Another excellent performance for this group of boys, yet again we fielded 12 players and had no subs to call on. To work this hard week in week out and to put their bodies on the line knowing they have no choice of coming off is testament to this group of players. Recruitment has begun for next year and the team would welcome any new players with open arms.

The under 12s welcomed Pencoed to Newbridge Fields for an early kick off this beautiful morning, and both sides served up an absolute classic.

Things started badly for the Ath when the kick off wasn’t fielded effectively, putting the defence under immediate pressure. The Pencoed forwards won a turnover and scored the first try of the match after just two minutes of play.