Bridgend Athletic RFC

Youth Match Report 05/09/26

Bridgend Athletic Youth 54 – 0 Nantyffyllon Youth

Bridgend Athletic produced an impressive and dominant performance, securing a convincing 54–0 victory over a resilient Nanty side.

From the opening whistle, the Athletic boys set the tone with intensity, physicality and attacking intent.

A blistering start from Athletic saw a powerful driving maul from a line-out create the opportunity for Charlie Richards to cross for the opening try. Jackson added the conversion.

Excellent work through the middle of the field created space for Jackson Mutlow, who broke through from around the Nanty 10-metre line to score. Jackson converted his own try.

Strong forward play once again laid the foundations for the next score. Ethan Davies spotted the opportunity and delivered a perfectly executed grubber kick for Jack Hemming to collect and score. Jackson added the conversion from out wide.

Athletic continued to build momentum, with a great take and run from Luis Towell, who produced an excellent offload to Ethan, allowing him to cross for a try underneath the posts. Jackson converted.

The Athletic forwards continued to dominate, creating the platform for Oliver Williams to finish out wide. Jackson narrowly missed the conversion.

After the break, Athletic continued to apply relentless pressure. A second-half tap penalty saw the team hammer away at a strong Nanty defence before finally breaking through, allowing Dylan “Hoppo” Hopkins to score his debut try for the youth team underneath the posts. Jackson converted.

Great attacking rugby from deep inside the Athletic half saw the backs and forwards combine brilliantly. Dylan “Mel” Jones finished the move by crossing underneath the posts, with Jackson again adding the conversion.

Athletic continued to dominate against a tired but extremely resilient Nanty team. Max Hearing rounded off the scoring with his debut try, with Jackson converting once again.

🏅 Man of the Match – Dylan “Hoppo” Hopkins

A fantastic performance from Dylan, who showed great determination and work rate throughout the game. His performance was capped off with a well-deserved debut try for the youth team.

🟢 Final Score

Bridgend Athletic 54 – 0 Nantyffyllon

A fantastic all-round performance from the Athletic boys, with strong forward work, exciting attacking rugby and excellent support between the backs and forwards.

Credit must also go to a very resilient Nantyffyllon team, who continued to work hard throughout the match despite the pressure they faced.

Well done to everyone involved, and best of luck to the young Nantyffyllon team for the remainder of their campaign.

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Click the link below to see the photos from the game 👇

Bridgend ATH V Nantyffyllon | Youth by R.Hopkins Photos

Match Reports 05/09/26

Cardiff Met 28 (4t) Bridgend Athletic RFC 22 (4t)

Championship East – Sept 5th 2026

Bridgend Athletic matched Cardiff Met’s 4 try bonus points – but the Met converted all their tries with the Ath only converting 1 try to go down 28-22 in the opening game of their Championship East Campaign.

To come away from last season’s Premiership side Cardiff Met with 2 points via the try bonus and losing bonus point was disappointing – with the Ath pressing the student’s line for the last 7 minutes – but unable to break a resilient defence.

Without any preseason warm up games the Ath found themselves playing on the Met’s 3G surface ideally suited to young, fit and fast opponents. The undercooked Ath struggled at first to get the measure of the surface and pace of the game, and found themselves trailing 14-0 after 18 minutes – the second Met try coming from the first scrum of the game in the 18th minute.

Also scrum half Harvey Tooze injured his hand and was replaced by Evan D’Adamo.

The Ath pack with new captain ho**er Lee Murphy, started gaining more possession and keeping it tight. Outside half Charlie Hancock placed a penalty 5 metres from the Met try line. Murphy threw into the lineout and the Ath drove infield. A change of direction saw recruit No 8 Andrew Waite break away from the driving maul holding off Met tacklers to force his formidable frame over the whitewash to reduce the deficit to 14-5.

With 5 minutes remaining the Met were penalised 5 metres from their try line. Waite took a tap penalty and was held a metre short. Further thrusts were made before the ball reached Waite to again force his way over the line for his second try.

Another Met penalty saw Hancock put the ball into touch 5 metres out and with the final play of the half Murphy touched down from a line out driving maul to give the Ath a 15-14 half time lead.

The Met went straight on the attack from the kick off and caught the Ath cold with their third converted try to lead 21-15.

The Ath responded with a patient spell of pressure, with the front row of Murphy and props Matthew Greenman and Ben Owen gaining scrum ascendancy and locks Mark Davey and Owen Thomas along with back row forwards Hakeem Mumine, Iestyn Merriman and Waite testing the student’s defence. With the Met defence narrowing the ball was thrown wide to wing McKenzie Grey who took off through the air to dive between two defenders for the 4th and Ath bonus point try. Hancock converted from wide out to give the Ath a 22-21 lead.

With 10 minutes remaining the Met opened up just inside their own half and pacy running saw them gain their 4th and bonus point try. The conversion gave the Met a 26-22 lead.

The final 10 minutes saw an Ath response started by a break from Merriman. Unfortunately, a potential scoring pass sailed over the head of Grey. The Ath pounded the Met line, with the home side willing to give away penalties knowing the Ath needed a converted try. One such penalty did at last produce a Met yellow card.

The Ath put in a big effort but failed to breach the Met defence – but did come away with 2 points.

Head Coach Stuart Morris was pleased overall with the performance with no preseason. He was particularly delighted with the pack named and replacements props Dominiko Manaesatava and Callum Donaghue-Proud, and lock Mike Gillette and flanker Charlie Ashpole – singling out double try scorer Andrew Waite returning to his youth roots after many years away. He felt a few tries were left on the park if the backs had been more accurate passing – though appreciated that with new faces this season and no preseason this will come. Centre Gabe Brown was playing for the first time with Dan Howells returning after many years away for his 94th Ath appearance. Wing Dan Osarigie and full back Rhys Williams were also involved.

Thanks to club photographer Paul Harwood and the travelling support at the Met ground.

This Saturday the Ath is home at Brynteg School ground to a Penallta side full of confidence following a good home win over Treorchy.

Maesteg Quins 29 Bridgend Athletic 2nd XV 7

Friendly – Sat Sept 5th 2026

Div 6 East Central Bridgend Athletic 2nd XV visited Div 2 West Maesteg Quins for a preseason friendly.

The Ath put in a spirited performance despite a 29-7 loss with a Cam Hicks try and Jonny Sutcliffe conversion accounting for the Ath points.

The Ath Generals are very hopeful of a strong Div 6 East Central campaign this season, starting this Sat Sept 12th with a home fixture against Kenfig Hill Athletic at Newbridge Fields.
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Final results for the first fixtures of the season 💚💛

Squad Announcements

First Championship East league game for the 1st XV away against Cardiff Metropolitan University 2.30pm KO

Generals XV take on Maesteg Quins Rfc away KO 2.30pm in a friendly

Our Youth XV are at Newbridge fields playing Nantyffyllon Rfc youth in round 1 of the Ospreys Rugby Cup

Good luck to all in the new season, come support your players and club.

🏉 Bridgend Athletic RFC U7s – New Players Welcome! 🏉

If your child is going into Year 2 this September, we’d love to welcome them along to give rugby a try. Whether they’ve played before or are completely new to the game, everyone is welcome.

At Bridgend Athletic RFC, we focus on:
✅ Fun and enjoyment
✅ Building confidence and friendships
✅ Learning new skills
✅ Being part of a supportive team environment

If your child would like to get involved, please see the poster below for contact details and further information.

Come and be part of a great club and make some amazing memories this season! 🖤💛🏉

First fixtures of the season 💚💛

Congratulations to the 14 U16 Ath boys who have been selected for the first Dewar Shield game. Go well, boys! 💚💛🏉

Congrats Daniel O'Sullivan 🔰

🏅 A superb individual performance saw Dan O'Sullivan named your Bridgend Ravens Supporters' Man of the Match following yesterday's win over Beddau.

Great shift, Dan! 💪

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🏉💚💛 UNDER 5s RUGBY – COME AND HAVE A GO! 💛💚🏉

Does your little one love running, playing and having fun? Why not introduce them to rugby!

Our Under 5s (Reception Year) sessions are a fun, play-based introduction to rugby, helping children make friends, build confidence and enjoy being part of a team.

Everyone welcome
No experience needed
Fun, friendship & foundation skills

Starting Friday 4th September
⏰ 5:00pm – 6:00pm
📍 Newbridge Fields

And the best part — sessions will continue every Friday after the 4th September!

Come along, bring the little ones and LET’S PLAY! 💚💛

For more information, contact Darren: 07825 993053

Just over 2 months to go!

Due to the increased interest and demand, we’re pleased to announce that the venue for An Evening with Andy Powell has changed.

📍 Bridgend Electric Brewery Field
Tondu Road, Bridgend
CF31 4JE

The event is fast approaching, and limited spaces are now remaining.

Businesses are also welcome to get involved, whether you’re looking to bring a team, host clients or support the club with a table.

Join us on Saturday 7th November for an unforgettable evening featuring a live Q&A with Andy Powell, hog roast, Wales v Japan, entertainment, auction & raffle — all in aid of Bridgend Athletic RFC.

£50 per ticket | Tables of 8: £400 | £20 deposit to secure your place

Don’t miss out — book now while spaces remain!

📞 07855 538699
📧 [email protected]