Athletic looking to bounce back

FOLLOWING relegation from the Championship last season, Bridgend Athletic will be looking to bounce back via Division 1 Central. The league is very competitive so it will take a very big effort from the players and coaches to achieve this.

Inevitably, there were some player losses after a disappointing season. However, these have been offset by the return of centre Tom Morgan, winger Rhys Ward Jones and lock Lloyd Griffiths. Also, there is the natural progression of players from the youth team via the mini and junior section. Any players wishing to join the seniors at first or second team level should contact Paul Hearne on 07970 348065.

Last season’s coaches remain intact – John Apsee, a former Wales B International, Gavin Thomas, a senior Welsh International, and Athletic legend Stuart Morris with 22 playing years behind him making him the Athletic’s all-time most ap- pearances player as well as leading points scorer and seasonal record holder with 330 points.

They are putting the players through a thorough training regime with six conditioning sessions at Merthyr Mawr sand dunes completed and now twice-weekly training sessions at Newbridge Fields.

Flanker Ben Howe, who has been Player of the Year for the last two seasons, will captain the side. Scrum half Aled Thomas, now able to play regularly, will be his vice-captain.

Paul Hearne has arranged three pre-season friendlies all away – Cheltenham Tigers August 13, Pontyclun August 20 and North Petherton (Devon) on August 27. The season kicks off with a home fixture against Bonymaen on September 3 and away at Builth Wells on September 10. The club will have four local derbies against Maesteg, Maesteg Quins, Kenfig Hill and Aberavon Quins.

The club will be based at its Ewenny Road headquarters.