Local rugby
NEWLY-PROMOTED Porthcawl began life in Three West Central A with a thumping 76-5 win over Neath Athletic – and there is a real sense of excitement that something special could be brewing at South Road.
The Seaweeds were simply sensational in their opening day win at Cwrt Herbert, as they racked up 12 tries with flanker Ben Asprea stealing the show as he helped himself to four of them.
Hooker Jack Williams and Gareth Rees also bagged braces, while wing Jack Power, Jon Phillips, skipper Richard Hynda and Nick Nutman also filled their boots while fly-half Josh White converted eight of them.
Reflecting on their emphatic win, Porthcawl club official Paul Fielding said: “It was terrific but there were signs of it two weeks before when we beat Blaenavon, a Division One side, here in pre-season.
“We’re now seeing the benefit of having a really good youth side which is starting to come to fruition and these boys are really starting to motor.”
Fielding praised the influence of Phillips and Rees in midfield while reserving special praise for Asprea after his four-try salvo.
“He is only 18 years old,” said Fielding.
“His performance was just incredible; he’s a tall, slim flanker but he’s wiry, fast and so strong and has all the talent at that age to go as far as he wants.”
But, despite Saturday’s crushing win, which on the back of promotion from Three West Central B at the end of last season, the club won’t be getting too carried away.
Fielding continued: “We’ll always have a go for promotion and I think we’re good enough – and most people in the club would back us against any of the other sides in the division now.
“But, having said that, if we consolidate in the division I think we’ll be happy.
“But it’s a fabulous start and it’s going to be a very interesting league.
“There’s a really good buzz around the club now, everything is coming together right the way through.
“Everyone’s enjoying themselves and we’ve got some good depth too – and players want to play for Porthcawl rather than look elsewhere.”
It now sets Rhys James’ side up for Saturday’s mouth-watering home derby clash with Pyle – who have undergone massive change both on and off the field during the close season.
Despite that, Fielding is still expecting a feisty encounter.
“Pyle are a proud club and the games between us are never easy and always eventful, a real local derby,” he said.
“I just hope they send a good referee down because we’re going to need one!”
Meanwhile the club will be hosting an evening with legendary former British & Irish Lion David Duckham MBE on Thursday, October 12 at 7.30pm. For more information, contact Porthcawl RFC on 01656 784242.