News

Autumn is a season of contrasts as the deciduous trees change from lush green to amber to brown before the winter sets in.  Sunday provided a perfect day with the Autumn sunshine producing perfect conditions for rugby. The Indian summer kept the cold at bay to provide the perfect canvas for all mini and junior rugby sides to enjoy this great game.  It all starts here for the stars of future years and there were plenty of young people taking part in the game this week end.

The Under 10s, 11s and 13s were all at home whilst the 7s, 8s, 9s and 12s did not have too far to travel to Cefn Cribwr, Natyffyllon and Porthcawl.

The Under Sevens start off this week’s report with a report on their fantastic game of rugby against the Riders of Cefn Cribwr. Both sides turned on the entertainment and only one try separated the teams at the end with the Sports enjoying the win.  New players Malaki Vaghn & Harley Morris made impressive debuts for the Sports. The leading try scorers were Isaac Davies & Dion Williams with 4 tries each & both players showed fantastic footwork to score. However, the man of the match was awarded to Riley Lewis who has been consistent each week with his all-round performances.

Under Eights

The Under Eights followed the Sevens lead. Again, both sides showed ingenuity in attack and defence. A large expansive pitch aided the players to all run wide and from deep. Both sides attacked to score an impressive 21 tries overall. Well done to all the players and coaches for another enjoyable morning of mini rugby and thanks are extend to Cefn Cribwr for being great hosts.

The Sports players of the week were Ollie Balmer for his running skills and try scoring.  Blair for a fine debut performance.

The final score read Cefn Cribwr 10 Bridgend Sports 11.

The Sports try scorers were Ollie Balmer (4), Ellis Kendall (3), Archie Hall (1), Matthew Griffiths (1),

Blair (1) Gethin Roberts (1)

Under Nines

The Under Nines continued where the sevens and eights left off as they emerged in the ascendancy against a physical Nantyffyllon side on their plush new 4G facility at Nantyffyllon. Bridgend Sports took the early lead and then capitalised with a flurry of tries with some great running rugby that unlocked the Nantyffyllon defence. Nanty came back strong toward the end with several unanswered tries, however the Sports had worked well in the early stages to secure overall victory. Try scorers for the sports were Rafferty Williams, Dan Flower and Max Hearing all with two tries apiece. Sam Heycock and Louis Payne also got over the try line with one each and Dan Perriman bagging four tries from his elusive running with ball in hand.

Bridgend Sports tackler of the week was Harry Trevelyan with Matthew Hussell’s support play at the tackle area earning him this week’s Star Player award.

The final score was a pleasing Nantyffyllon 50 Bridgend Sports 60.

Under Tens

The Under tens lost their unblemished record this season to a superior Skewen side.  Skewen were a well drilled team who gave the Under Tens a lesson in effective rucking. The Sports competed in all aspects of the game, except the ruck area, which enabled Skewen to win a lot of ball in the tackle area.

There were many positives for the Sports in defeat in that the team stuck at it and as the game progressed they improved on ball placement in the tackle. The Sports eventually defended their ruck ball more effectively and improved their line speed in defence later in the game to put pressure on their opponents, forcing them backwards with good tackling. Unfortunately, the home team were unable to get over their try line on the day.

There were many players who put in a “good shift” but the team player of the day award went to Hari Coulthard for good tackling, support play, rucking and tackling.

Under Elevens

The Under Elevens in contrast, secured a fine forty points to twenty-five win against Skewen. The Sports enjoyed a fine opening first twenty minutes playing some lovely rugby and putting in some great tackles with good rucking. The Sports try scorers were Madison Rees, Charlie Paget (2) and Gabrial Burroughs. Skewen got one try back

In the second period, the home team played a few players out of their preferred positions which caused a bit of disruption at first. Skewen kept pressuring the Sports into making some silly mistakes which in turn resulted in poor discipline with players also dropping off tackles. Credit to Skewen for capitalising on the weaknesses to score 4 ties but the Sports never say die attitude saw them make a comeback to tie the second period score, with tries from Gabrial Burroughs, Charlie Paget (2) and twinkle toes Madison Rees.

Alfie Lewis was player of the week for his attitude on the pitch. He played out of his normal position and adapted well.

Under Twelves

The Under Twelves turned in another dominant performance as they defeated a fancied Porthcawl side forty points to nil at the coast. Whilst the Sports defence was solid. They kept Porthcawl under pressure as the forwards set the platform for the backs to run.

The side are adapting well to the scrummage as the forwards produced their best performance of the season to date. It was soon evident that the Sports were hungrier for success. It showed as the Blue and Whites emerged on top with a fine 0 – 40 win.

Under Thirteens.

The “Waun Massive”, Waunarlwydd, were the visitors to the Bandstand Field to play the Under Thirteens.  Waunarlwydd are in their one hundred and eighteenth year and have current internationals Liam Williams and Nicky Smith who are products of their successful mini and juniors’ section.

With the strong Autumn sun making a presence for the Sunday morning game, expectation was high for an open game of rugby as both clubs have a history of playing attractive flowing rugby.  Bridgend Sports declared their intent from the opening kick-off when flanker Connor Jones fielded the kick off, he was invited to use the space near the touch line and gratefully exploited the invitation as he raced down the touch line to register the opening try on the game within minutes.  The writing was on the wall early as the Sports were in no mood to compromise as they are all too aware they have some tough fixtures coming up in October. Further first half tries were scored by the Sports through Ben King who was making a welcome return, following a season away from the game, Cian John, Chloe Gant and Mackenzie Dent with conversions added by Cian John and Jack Morgan. There were also notable contributions from Callum Jones and Dylan Morgan. It was not all about attack however, there were also notable defensive performances from Megan Lewis, Iestyn John, Mason Balmer, Mollie Prance and Thomas Coles.

The second half was more of the same although “the Waun” did become more aggressive in their approach as they battled their way into field position but were unable to cross the home side’s line. They failed to repel a home side who were ultimately destined to extend their winning start to the season.  

The Sports fronted up to the aggression and the team’s sense of spirit and unity was displayed in abundance. The second half was harder work, but the product was the same as the home team scored further ties through Iestyn John, Will Ellis, Connor Jones, and Callum Lewis with conversions added by Ieuan Pilliner and Cian John.    Chole Gant, Will Ellis, Theo Clarke and Ieuan Pilliner sustained the defensive effort whenever Waunarlwydd looked to pressure the home side.

This was a fine squad performance from the players, every player contributed. They all enjoyed game time that is contributing to their development and their coaches were delighted with their effort and respect accorded to their opponents.

The Sports registered Fifty-Three points without conceding a try.