Athletic’s friendly fire
BRIDGEND Athletic RFC are grateful for local rivals Bridgend Sports stepping in when their Welsh Conference Opponents Pill Harriers withdrew from their April 7th Welsh Conference league fixture.
A very hard-fought contest played in good spirit was in doubt until the final whistle with the Athletic triumphing by 14 points to 10. With both senior pitches waterlogged the match was played on the M&J and Youth A48 pitch.
The Sports had the better of the early exchanges but an inspired moment by young Ath full back Nathan Jones led to the opening score. The Ath half backs Josh Symons and Scott Jones opened play from a scrum on their own 10 metre line. Jones entered the line at speed and broke the defensive cover. When halted a deft back of the hand pass saw wing Josh Seldon gallop unopposed for 35 metres to cross for an Athletic try. utside half Jones converted.
The Athletic second try came from a 5-metre driving line out. Lewis Down found lock Ben Cording to set up the drive. Lock Gareth Bartlett broke off to cross in the corner.
Scott Jones touchline conversion saw the Athletic take a 14-0 lead. The Sports hit back and reduced the half time deficit to 14-3 with a penalty from Rob Spear.
The Sports had the better territorial advantage in the second half with No 8 captain Dai Dent and lock Max Bresin to the fore, while experienced evergreen outside half Geraint Lewis was dictating play with well-judged tactical kicking. Scrum Half Matthew Davies was first to a chip over the Athletic defence and dribbled the ball for 50 metres to outflank the Athletic cover and cross for a try converted by centre Peter Roberts to reduce the Sports deficit to 14-10.
Ath centre Luke Holly- man nearly emulated the try but his final kick ahead crossed the dead ball line before he could touch down.
The Athletic defended their lead with good work in the pack from Bartlett, Aled Pilliner, Hywel Cosby and turnovers from centre turned flanker for the day Chris Price. As at Rhiwbina the previous week centre Luke Yardley contributed a very high tackle count as the Athletic hung on for a hard-fought vic- tory.
Athletic coach Liam Griffiths suggested putting a gagging order or a visit to a silent monastery on some indisciplined Ath individuals who cost the Athletic several penalties often moved back a further 10 metres for further dissent.
This Saturday April 14th Pill Harriers are due to visit Newbridge Fields for the WRU Conference fixture they were unable to make this Saturday.