News

Bridgend Athletic RFC 7 Builth Wells 25

Div 1 West Central

Following a very entertaining curtain raiser with BARFC U12 and Builth Wells U12 both showcasing their skills, the main event saw the Ath unable to match the junior side’s narrow win and succumbed to a disappointing 7-25 loss.

The visitors have a formidable well drilled pack and competed at every breakdown, forcing the Ath to commit extra numbers, and slowing possession. They probably have the best driving maul in the league, and again as at Builth they twice drove over the Ath line – the first time gaining a penalty try. Their third try was also following a succession of close-range thrusts at the line. Builth led 13-0 at half time.

Ath captain for the day outside half Jonathan Phillips gave the Ath hope gathering a kick out on halfway and scything with a side-stepping run to within 5 metres of the Builth Wells try line before putting centre Oliver Olds over the whitewash. Scott Govan converted to reduce the deficit to 7-13.

However, despite the best efforts of hooker Lee Murphy, locks Kalafi Molitika and Ben Cording and flanker Ryan Neagle Builth were more coordinated in the pack,and had a better tactical kicking game with most of their box kicks contestable.

This Saturday the Ath continue their battle to stay in Div 1 West Central when they entertain Skewen at Newbridge Fields in a match sponsored by Simon & Rod Apsee of JH Apsee & Sons Removals. They finish the season back at the Brewery Field against promoted and potential league champions Tondu. BARFC, Brynamman and Birchgrove are in the dogfight to retain their place in Div 1 West Central, with one team relegated, so will be grateful for all support to urge the players forward.

The club would like to thank former player Mr Josh Llewellyn of Gileston Manor Estate for sponsoring today’s fixture and Mr Lynn Morgan of Tela Technology for sponsoring the match ball. Also all marshals who manned the Brewery Field so games could go ahead.

Also great thanks to club photographer John Canon for his work this week  covering a U11 training session with Alun Wynn Jones midweek, U12 and senior games at the Brewery Field on Saturday and on Sunday the Mini Junior Festival at Bryntirion Comprehensive - great commitment John

Llantwit Major 2^nd XV 7 Bridgend Athletic 2^nd XV 19

BARFC Generals are grateful to Llantwit Major 2^nd XV for stepping in for a friendly at short notice when their Conference opponents dropped out.

In a keenly contested game centre Owen Thomas crossed for his 14^th try of the season converted by Scott Jones. A Rhys Hyde try increased the lead to 12-0.

Major responded with a converted try, but in a keenly contested game a Geraint Lang try and second Scott Jones conversion saw the Generals home at 19-7.

For the Ath Charlie Ashpole, Geraint Lang & Josh Seldon stood out in the pack, with the Jones brothers Nick & Scott the pick of the backs.