Bridgend Athletic
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Alun Jenkins has had a long and positive association with
Bridgend Athletic. He recently told Rugby Club Magazine,
“My cousin Jeff Jenkins, one of the clubs founder members,
introduced me to the club and although I haven’t frequented the
club as often as I would like I have tried to help out when I can.
Our family business, Ewenny Pottery, which distributes pottery
through the Welsh Tourist industry and as far afield as Japan
makes some of the 1st and 2nd team trophies and it is great
to hear how well the club Is doing this season - long may it
continue!”
The problems confronting the
founders were immense. The players
approached Jeff Jenkins and Clive
Easterbrook who were already Life
Members of Ogmore Vale RFC for
guidance. The first committee was set
up with Jeff Jenkins as Chairman, Clive
Easterbrook Coach and Fixture Secretary
and players Phil Rees Treasurer, Mike
Rennie Secretary and Brian Lewis a
committeeman – later secretary. Clive
selected the Springbok Green & Gold
Colours still worn by all club teams
today.
The early years following reformation
saw many troughs including the loss
of a ground for two years. Despite the
setbacks, the ambitious committee
continued to develop the club, lay the
foundations of an energetic youth policy
that continues today, and decided that
independence was required. The youth
team was formed in season 1976-77. One
of its players, John Apsee, who went on
to play for Wales B is now the Senior
Team’s Head Coach. The late Barrie
Morris had a major influence on the
rugby and administration of the club in
its rise through the leagues.
60 Issue 79
As
always,
fortune
favoured
the brave. The legendary Dr Jack
Matthews officially opened the current
Ewenny Road clubhouse, purchased
from the WEXA and following major
refurbishment by players and club
members alike, in September 1982. This
was a nostalgic event for Dr Matthews as
the building was his family home during
the time he was a record breaking athlete
at Bridgend Grammar school. This
before he joined Cardiff to become one
of the most famous Welsh Internationals
and British Lions of all time.
In 1983/84 the club was admitted
to full membership of the Welsh Rugby
Union.
A mini/junior section was formed in
1989 and has developed over the years
into a thriving and successful section of
the club. These days over 250 youngsters
in all age groups from U7 – U16 play on
a Sunday morning, proudly wearing the
green and gold of the Athletic.
The dedication and commitment
provided by the organisers of age grade
rugby, including the quality of qualified
coaches, first aiders and referees is
impressive. The standard of mini/
junior rugby at the Athletic is recognised
throughout Wales and the British
Isles and is reflected in the number of
tournament invites and wins.
Most of the club’s senior squad
have progressed through Junior and
Youth rugby at the Athletic; many
started playing rugby at under 8 level
and have played at all age levels up to
Senior rugby. These include our most
famous players, Wales & British Lions
Rhys Webb and Lee Byrne, who have
never forgotten their roots and regularly
attend presentation nights and other
club events. Rhys’ son Regan played in
this season’s Under 7 age group.
Others to achieve full Wales Caps
include Scott Baldwin, Joshua Navidi,
Matthew Morgan, Tom Prydie, Matthew
Jones and Adrian Durston. Over 60
players are listed in the Club’s Welsh
Caps Honours List at levels below full
Senior International Level.
This season’s Annual Mini Festival
attracted World Cup referee Nigel Owens
to referee some games and exchange
banter with Rhys who also refereed at
the tournament. When Rhys asked Nigel
for some tips Nigel countered that Rhys
always appeared to know everything
about refereeing whenever he officiated
him.
The M&J section, currently led
by M&J secretary and Registration
Secretary Angela Bennett, Treasurer
Lynnette Harding, Child Welfare
Officer Simon Swinford and Chairman
Darren Beach, work closely with local
schools where their player base come
from. Ten BARFC Youth players started
for Brynteg Comprehensive’s Welsh
Schools U18 Champions win this season.
Bryntirion Comprehensive host the
Annual M&J Festival. The main primary
schools supporting the Mini section