News

It was another busy week for Bridgend Sports Mini and Junior teams , the younger sides were up early to enjoy the 4G playing facilities at Parc Dderwen, the thirteens were the only team to venture  away  whilst all remaining teams were at Newbridge Fields in another action packed Sunday morning.   

Under Sevens

The Under 7's welcomed Baglan & Cwmavon for a round robin. Both sides offered tough opposition for the Sports and the games were played at a fast pace with lots of tries scored by all sides.

It was the Sports best all round team performance of the season with quite a few players scoring tries.   Caelan Cawley, Cian Elward, Dion Williams, Eli McCausland, Isaac Davies, Thomas Barnard, Malaki Vaughan, & Riley Lewis all scored.

It wasn’t all about attack however, as the side grabbed the tags through holding a solid defence line. Isaac Davies was the team’s top defender with a total of 20 tags. The Sports won both games.

The Man of the man was awarded to  Thomas Barnard who scored an incredible first try as he dazzled with some great  footwork and backed this with some clever defence.

Under Eights

The Under Eights were not deterred by the cold wind that cut across Parc Dderwen  where they hosted the Valley Ravens and Baglan for a round robin. Ait was another great team effort from everyone involved. The Sports worked well to keep their line, plenty of turn over ball demonstrated that they tagged like demons. Top Try Scorer was Rhydian Cronin with 5 fabulous tries. Top taggers  were Archie Hall and Oscar Gee with 12 tags each, great defensive play. Try Scorers Rhydian Cronin (5) Matthew Griffiths (4) Leo D’Adamo (3) Ollie Balmer (2) Overall Score Bridgend Sports 4 – Baglan 4 Bridgend Sports 11 – Valley Ravens 14

Under Nines

The Under Nines faced Cwmavon. They  were noticeably quick in defence and managed to turn the ball over with regular pressure, forcing handling errors and tackles into touch. Good forward running and timely offloads in the tackle saw the Sports win the first game four tries to nil. All credit to Cwmavon they fought back in the second game winning it two tries to one.

It was a positive all round effort from both teams who played fairly and respected referee calls. The following players deserve recognition for their efforts ; Dan Flower (one try), Dan Perriman (two tries), Thomas Roberts (one try), Louis Payne (one try). Ciaran Murphy was Tackler of the week for his tenacious defence and Kayden Jones getting everywhere to earn the Star Player trophy. A special mention is made of team member Evelyn Murray on her return. She made an immediate impact to help the team secure an  overall 25 – 10 victory.

Under Tens

The Under Tens  entertained Baglan RFC. It was a physical game with plenty of hard tackles from both sides and some explosive rucking. The sides were evenly matched, and the Sports were unlucky not to have added to their 2 early tries, scored by Noah Roberts. Baglan hit back with six tries for a final 2-6 scoreline. The Sport’s players never gave up and played hard until the final whistle. The Team Player Award went to Stan McAllister.

Under Elevens

Sports u11's 70 - Pyle u11's 15

The Under Elevens  played against a developing and spirited Pyle team who played rugby to the bitter end. The Sports adapted and played to the conditions well, with short sharp off loads, slick hands from the backs, supported by good forward work, particularly at the ruck and counter ruck.
Tackling was good in patches.

The Sports tries were shared throughout the team.  Charlie Morris, Gabriel Burroughs, Joe Perriman, Joe Major, Dan May x2, Charlie Paget, Alfie Lewis, Finley Goodwin x2, Chloe Roblin, Dylan Evans, Madison Rees and Matthew Oglesbee all scored.

 He may not have got on the score sheet, but Henry Dong was always on players’’ shoulder in support.   Charlie Morris was the star player of the week for his  hard work and determination. His efforts on the training field certainly paid off.

Under Twelves

Sports  28-7 Ebbw Vale

The Under Twelves emerged victorious from a very physical game against tough opposition, the steel men of Ebbw Vale. The steel men were intent on returning home with the spoils as they had put the Sports on alert earlier in the week that they would be fielding their strongest side. They had not allowed for the strong Sports team’s defending skills which again showed its excellence as it put the visitors on the back foot. The pack also put in a big effort with forwards Luke Mumford and Deacon Keseru putting in  some big carries. Sam Gardner was always nuisance at the rucks as the Sports dominated the territory and possession.

The Sports finally broke a tight game with some good forward phases before the ball was worked wide to  Callum Childs to score in the corner. Jack Sperduty converted.

Gruff Roberts crashed over for the second try and the final score of the first half again Jack Sperduty added the conversion.

The second half proved to be much tighter as Ebbw Vale used their forwards to mount more direct attacks which were met by a Sport defence that was resolute.  When Ebbw Vale tried to go wide the Sports  defence was organised enough. Sport’s Ioan Parry  and Tyler Poucher put in some good tackles on the wings.

The Sports  third try came from Ben Evans. The score proved decisive as it drained the spirt from the steelmen.  Jack Sperduty added the conversion.

 Ebbw never gave up and finally broke the Sports defence to score a converted  try.

The main game finished 21-7.  Both sides have a large squad of players so decided to play an extra short  game which proved to be a close affair.  Once again, the Sports dominated both territory and  defence. Ben Evans eventually  broke the deadlock with a try after some good carries by the forwards. Sam Gardner converted.

Under Thirteens

It was  a welcome return for the Under Thirteens to visit Baglan RFC. The sides have always enjoyed a competitive fixture against each other , with a few points separating the sides. The Sports were in confident mood as they travelled away with 20 players and it was not long before they were able to demonstrate the confidence was backed by commitment and skill on the field of play. The conditions may have been murky and misty  but the standard of play in the opening ten minutes would have brightened the darkest of any winter morning.  The coaches hard work on Wednesday was very evident on Sunday with some great passing to put people into space and support play to match.

The Sports kicked off with a long drop kick deep into the Baglan half, Baglan opted to run but were forced to touch ten metres from their line.  Chloe Gant  was up for the lineout take, she passed to scrum half Abi Davies Jones who put Cian John into space down the touch line, he used his space to beat his opponent and cross for the try.  Callum Lewis fielded the kick off, Sports forwards took play up to the half way , the forwards won the ruck and the backs used the quick ball to good effect to put Jack Morgan into space. He had work to do, he stepped his opponent then used pace to race in for a fine team try. Hard working forward Megan Lewis  scored the third try  after another period of play where backs and forwards combined , with forwards  Efan Dyer and Mackenzie Dent doing some damage before Callum Jones entered the line from full back then cut back inside to set up a ruck under the posts , Chloe Gant selflessly off loaded to Megan Lewis who was on her shoulder to crash over the line. Cian John added the conversion. Baglan suddenly realised they were in a game and started to claw their way back by competing at the ruck, the game can be cruel sometimes, especially when your opponents have players with pace. As Baglan moved the ball from a ruck, Sports flanker Connor Jones raced up to intercept a pass then off load to wing Tom Chick who for the second week running left his opponents trailing as he scored the Sports fifth try. Ieuan Pilliner added the conversion. Having done the hard work for the fifth try, Connor Jones did not want to miss out. He was on hand to receive a pass from the impressive Mackenzie Dent and then sprint in to score.  The final Sports score of the half was a great team try, with forwards and backs combining to go the length of the field , Callum Lewis was on hand for the final pass for his team to take a 36 – 0 lead.  Baglan had threatened on times then deservedly managed to get in for a converted try right on half time.

Buoyed by their score at the end of the first half , the home team started the second half as they finished the first with an early try to close the gap to 36-12. Baglan showed they were not going to make it easy for the Sports. Megan Lewis had other ideas however when she ripped the ball to rob Baglan possession at a maul. She broke away from the maul and drove  through the cover to bring the second half scores level at 5 -5 with an overall game score of 41 12.  The Sports then conceded a few penalties for offences at the breakdown which allowed Baglan to mount an attack deep into  the Sports half, but great work from Thomas Coles turned defence into attack. He passed to Connor Jones who sprinted from the half way line to score his second. Shortly after Connor Jones claimed his hattrick as he broke from the half way line.

Then came the best score of the game , Iestyn John broke out of defence then passed to Chloe Gant who linked with Ieuan Pilliner , he stepped inside was tackled and set up the ruck , Ben King was standing off ready to sustain the attack, he used strength and pace to break the defence and race in under the posts for the final try , Cian John added his fourth conversion of the game for the Sports to register the win.   

Baglan were great hosts and at times made it difficult for the away team, the Sports ensured all twenty travelling players enjoyed game time to ensure players are developed and retained in the game for the long term. The Under Thirteens have a great team spirit. New players are always welcome , if interested simply contact us via our Facebook, Twitter or web page.

Under Fifteens

The Under Fifteens have been hit by several  injuries and enjoyed a week off for the players to recuperate

Under Sixteens

The Under Sixteens put in a spirited fight up against a strong Vardre side at home.