Pontyclun test the Athletic

PONTYCLUN................5 BRIDGEND ATH .......17

BRIDGEND Athletic were given a very competitive pre-season friendly encounter at a wet and windy Millfields Ground.

They gave 22 players a run out and both sides tried to play entertaining rugby in the conditions.

The Athletic took an early lead when the ball was moved twice across the field before last season’s Youth captain and backrow forward Rory Thomas crossed in the corner.

It was the start of an all-out display by the youngster alongside experienced back row performers, new club captain Ben Howe and Stuart Edbrook.

The Athletic were unable to add to their single score and at the interval still led 5–0.

A 70 metre touch finder from vice captain Aled Thomas gave the Athletic a foothold inside the Pontyclun 22.

A series of attacking moves saw Stuart Edbrook force his way over wide out to extend the lead.

Pontyclun then had a 10 minute spell camped inside the Ath’s 22. A solid defence was finally breached by a try.

The Athletic responded with a late try when prop Zach Evans dived over wide out to cap a good front row display, Replacement outside half Scott Jones kicked an excellent conversion to secure the win and more importantly giving the Athletic a good opportunity to gauge the strength of this season’s squad.

If the Athletic can get their squad together soon, it is hoped they can mount a challenge in Division 1 West Central this season.

This weekend, they complete their pre-season with an away game at North Petherton, Somerset before opening their league campaign at home to old rivals Bonymaen on September 3.