News

WRU National League Division 2 West

ATHLETIC 36 FISHGUARD & GOODWICK 7

After three days of incessant rainfall leading up to matchday, most had doubts as to whether today's league encounter would go ahead based on the evidence of previous seasons after days of deluge. There should not have been any doubt however as the revamped main pitch at Athletic Park was in quite superb condition. Major investment was made by the club during the off season in upgrading and improving the playing surface, the result is evident.

After three disappointing consecutive league defeats, Athletic welcomed the Seagulls of Fishguard & Goodwick who in contrast, had won their previous two league games. Prior to kick off, a minute of respectful silence was impeccably observed to commemorate 100 years since the armistice of the 1914-1918 World War.

Although competitive, it was the home side that dominated possession, racing to a 22-0 interval lead through tries by Tom Gravell, Sion Jones & Carwyn Bebb. Karl Williams added a penalty & 2 conversions.

It was the visitors who started more brightly in the second half. After ten minutes, they found touch with a penalty kick and executed the classic catch and drive from the line out to touch down for a deserved converted try. Within five minutes, the Red & Blacks were back on the score board with a well worked second try from centre Tom Gravell again converted by Karl Williams. Athletic played out the final ten minutes with fourteen men having received a yellow card. A fifth and final try was however forthcoming courtesy of prop James Newnian which was also converted to bring the final score to 36-7. The bonus point win is most welcome, following a frustrating run of three below par performances, and will stand them in good stead for the challenges that lay ahead.

Picture: The impressive revamped playing surface at Athletic Park.