News

Sunday was festival day for most of the Mini Rugby teams within the club with the sevens, eights, nines and tens all attending the Clive Evans Memorial rugby festival at Maesteg Celtic. The Under Elevens travelled to Croesyceiliog for a festival in Gwent.

The Under Sevens had a great time.  Their first game was against Maesteg Celtic, the Sports youngster made a great start as both sides scored two tries each.  Up next were Maesteg Quins where the Sports edged it by three ties to two. The third game was against Nantyffyllon who were the stronger side, outscoring the Sports by six tries to two. A few words of encouragement were needed before their final game, the talk did the trick as their registered a 5 – 5 draw against Kenfig Hill. There was some clever attacking play from the team throughout the day good passing on display.

The Under Eights also enjoyed their games, with all children playing well, showing great sportsmanship and adherence to the laws. They were a credit to their club. Adam Gates was star of the week for a huge improvement in his game. Try scorers were Thomas Roberts (3) AJ Cawley (1) Rhys Evans (2) Gethin Jones (3) Max Hearing (1) Dan Perriman (1) 

The Under Nines travelled the short journey across the bridge, to play neighbours Bridgend Athletic and Valley Ravens in a round robin series of games.  Some excellent rugby was played by all 3 sides and the Sports tackling is improving with every game. The Athletic  took the spoils in the first game with an 8 tries to 5 win . The Sports bounced back with a 5 tries to 1 win against "The Ravens" in the second game. Tries were scored by Hari Coulthard (2), Gethin Evans, Osian Stephens, Jayden Walters, Isaac Bowness & Leo Giraud (4). There were lots of good performances but the star performer for the week was Osian Stephens.

The Under Tens fielded two teams to ensure each player had plenty of game time. Both sides played four games each. They won two and lost two games against Bryncethin, Kenfig Hill, Maesteg Celtic and Maesteg Quins. The most important outcome was that there were plenty of very good tries and entertainment as the rugby flowed. All nineteen Sports players worked hard as a team; a testament to what the game is about at a young age. 

The Under Elevens travelled the furthest distance this week and deserved the reward for outstanding effort as they played six games at the Croesyceiliog rugby festival. They outscored hosts Croesyceiliog 10 nil in the first game, Caldicot 15 -5 in the second, Caerleon 10 – 0 in the third, Whiteheads 10-5 next, drawing their fifth game 10 – 10 with Cwmbran before finishing off by outscoring Pontypool 10 -  0. It was a great effort from every player, over a long but enjoyable day. The players have really enjoyed this week as the squad and coaches were delighted to hear that seven of their players had been selected for Bridgend District Schools.

The Under Twelves were away to Pencoed, please see separate report, whilst the Under Thirteens travelled away to Gilfach Goch for a tough fixture, a good well contested first half saw the Sports lead 17 – 0.  The second half was a more a little closer as Gilfach fought their way back only for the Sports to take the game 21-31. Bridgend Sports try scorers were Nathan Cox, Charlie Patterson, Tristan Davies and Josh Stephens. Sean Petty added the conversions to provide the Sports with their second win on the bounce.

The Under Fourteens had a week off. The Under Fifteens had a tough outing away to Mumbles and the Under Sixteens travelled to the seaside in the opposite direction at Barry where they registered another victory, defeating Barry by 36 points to 26.

A couple of the Bridgend Sports age groups are seeking to boost player numbers. Places are filling up fast but if anyone is interested the Under Twelves and Fifteens are open for new players. The Under Twelves train at the Bandstand Newbridge Fields on Wednesdays at 6:45 p.m. and the Under Fifteens on Thursday at 5:30 p.m. Players can just turn up and experience a great opportunity for meeting new friends and enjoying a great sport in an equally great environment.