Bridgend Athletic
Bridgend Athletic
FOLLOW
FOLLOW US
US ONLINE
ONLINE TWITTER.COM/RUGBYCLUBMAG
TWITTER.COM/RUGBYCLUBMAG
Bridgend
Athletic
RUGBY FOOTBALL CLUB
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 1975-76. 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.
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
Gareth Edwards of club sponsor Gareth
Edwards Estate Agents recently spoke to
Rugby Club Magazine about his positive
association with Bridgend Athletic RFC,
saying, “My father and grandfather were from
Bridgend as was my uncle Ron Edwards, who
played for Bridgend RFC and was a great
hooker and team player.
Following a Bridgend Youth Tour in March 1972, team
spirit was so high that so as not to go their separate
ways into senior rugby, the idea arose to form their own
senior club. A Bridgend Athletic side had existed up until
1939 and now the reformation process was to begin.
46 Issue 80
Through my families involvement I started
supporting the club and subsequently
became a sponsor. I have always found the
club to be very friendly and family orientated
and the level of coaching down there speaks
for itself. I am looking forward to the start of
the new season, attending some matches and
continuing my support of the club.
Best wishes to everyone associated with
Bridgend Athletic Rugby for the 2018/2019
campaign!”
FREE Valuations!
Celebrating 50 Years of Selling Your Home
We wish Bridgend Athletic RFC
a successful 2018/2019
playing season
www.rugbyclubmag.com
47