Bateman opts to stay in South Wales

Correspondent

South Wales Scorpions’ record appearance holder Ashley Bateman will be staying with the club for the 2014 season.

The 24-year old centre, who has played 81 competitive matches for the club over the last four years, did join local rivals Gloucestershire All Golds over the winter and even played in their friendly against Hull FC last month.

But the Welsh international has now opted to return to his roots and, after being released by the All Golds this week, is looking forward to the season starting on March 2nd when the Scorpions take on Oldham Roughyeds at their new home of Maesteg RFC (kick-off 3pm).

Scorpions coach Mike Grady said: “Ashley has been a great servant to the club for the past four years and we’re really pleased to have now retained his services for 2014.

“He of course is friends with most of the squad and I know he’s had reports back about how well we’re bonding this year. It’s all thanks to the Welsh-ness of the side. “Every one of our first team squad members have played for Wales at one level or another, they’ll go out there and compete for each other and for the pride of South Wales. Ashley rejoining us just proves that we’re doing something right.”