News

WRU National League Division 2 west

ATHLETIC 11 BURRY PORT 6

The Red & Blacks followed up their away success at Fishguard & Goodwick a fortnight ago with another hard earned victory over visiting Burry Port. Playing a first home game since December, the prelude to storm Freya was very evident as the strong westerly wind swept across the Athletic Park pitch which curtailed the playing options of both clubs.

It wasn't so much of a spectacle but more akin to an 'arm wrestle' as both sides battled away in a stop/start match. The visitors had a fair share of possession in the first half but few opportunies due to the resolute Athletic defence. The homesters opened the scoring in the first ten minutes with a well struck angled penalty by first team debutant Bradley Roderick. Youth player Bradley went on to make an impressive and encouraging performance in very testing conditions. A storming forward charge by Athletic No 8 Lee Bradley who offloaded to his supporting team mate Aled Jones nearly resulted in a try, but a last ditch ankle tap was enough to allow the defence to prevent the centre from grounding the ball over the try line. During this frantic phase of play, a Burry Port flanker suffered a shoulder injury which delayed play for eight minutes whilst he received treatment. He could not continue and we wish him a speedy recovery. On resumption play see-sawed, Burry Port drew level with a penalty effort awarded for an off side in the home 22. The visitors had a similar successful effort in front of the posts late on to lead 3-6 at the break.

On restart, the rain arrived on schedule as was forecast which made the contest even more difficult for the players. Athletic began to get the lion's share of possession and constant sniping and astute kicking by scrum half Carwyn Thomas kept the visitors in their own half for most of the remainder of the game. The pivotal moment came as the Athletic decided to run a penalty and were rewarded with a try by winger Dan Davies. The conversion was narrowly missed but it was felt that the next score could be the decisive moment in the game. And so it proved as Bradley Roderick slotted his second penalty to give the home side a hard fought 11-6 win.

Both sides are to be praised for their efforts in such testing conditions. Athletic play Loughor next Friday 8th March, 7pm kick off.

Scarlets Youth League west Carmarthenshire division

ATHLETIC YOUTH 24 NEWCASTLE EMLYN YOUTH 15

A great advert for Youth rugby as both sides gave a very good account of themselves in difficult weather conditions. The home side eventually ran out victorious but a great effort by both sides. Athletic fielded four U16's players who performed valiantly. Joint 'Man of the match' went to Josef Morse & Ben Evans.

Picture by @SueBows: Youth outside half Bradley Roderick makes his First Team debut - many congratulations!