Fixture

Birchgrove made a good start in the game only to be undone by an unfortunate knock forward which presented the visitors with a golden opportunity to counter and take an early lead in todays contest at Parc. Bedw and after 5 minutes the home side found themselves 0 - 7 behind from a try and conversion under the posts.

The bad news was to continue as Birch strived to get in to the game but Lady Luck again favoured the opposition as a backs move saw their centre pick up a pass from his boot laces and once more break the defensive line and the home side were 0 -12 down after 10 minutes play.

To their credit the home side picked themselves up and were soon pressing the visitors line with Lee Purnell, Rhys Morgan and the ever effective Leigh Di’lulio making inroads in to the opposition defence.With an indiscretion reducing the Athletic to 14 men a classic line out catch and drive saw skipper Di’lulio go over for an unconverted try 5 - 12.

Birch were now  clawing their way back in to the game with steady if not glorious play and a Matthew Edwards penalty narrowed the score to 8 - 12. Once again though the rub was to go against the home side as the opposition 10 took a speculative midfield chip and run and a perfect bounce saw his supporting back row combine to sail through the fragile home defence and a converted try increased the lead to 8-19.

Birch once again rallied and as the half time whistle was approaching some aggressive counter rucking from Purnell  and Beard released the home backs and a neat Sam Evans under arm pass saw Edwards finish off the move and gain  the conversion and take the home side in to the break 15 - 19 down.

The second half kicked off with an equal exchange of forward play and the new legs of the Birchgrove bench were bringing a renewed vigour. The visitors though were digging in and when a home backs movement broke down with a speculative flip pass the Athletic were presented with an attacking position which they turned to their advantage and an unconverted try gave them a lead of 15 - 24.

This set back seemed to set the mood for the remainder of the game with Birchgrove trying gamely to turn the tide but the Athletic sensing only their second win of the campaign providing stubborn resistance and running out deserved victors.

A disappointing result to take us in to a difficult December which will start on the 3rd with a visit to near neighbours and old rivals Bonymaen which is always a challenge to rise to.

See you there

MAN OF THE MATCH

3 Candidates from the Panel

Mathew Edwards for his defensive game and consistent kicking

Lee Purnell once again showing  his experience and vitality 

Leigh Di’lulio for his all round action game

Man of the Match is Leigh Di’lulio