News

Abercynon Rugby Club are proud to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of one of the clubs
most outstanding achievements, the winning of the Glamorgan County Silver Ball.
On Monday 30 th April 1973 Abercynon RFC played Penygraig RFC in the final of the
Glamorgan County Silver Ball. Both sides had defied the odds to reach the final. In the semi-
finals Penygraig beat the reigning cup holders Senghenydd 15 points to 13 whilst Abercynon
overcame a much more experienced Beddau side by 10 points to 3.

The final played in Senghenydd was only a minute old when Penygraig opened the scoring
with a penalty goal. Abercynon wing forward Clive Thomas responded with a 35-yard
penalty of his own before Penygraig then landed a second penalty. Thomas, however, put
over his second from 40 yards to level the score at six points each. There would be a further
twelve shots at goal seven by Abercynon and five by Penygraig but all would prove
unsuccessful.

The decisive moment of the match came in the 37 th minute when Abercynon stole a heal
against the head and scrum half Tommy Lewis twisted away cleverly on the blind side, he
called for wing Viv Carlick to come inside from the touchline, and he took the pass and
streaked away for the try. They almost added a second in the closing minutes when centre
John Cooper burst away but wing Terry Coxley was bundled into touch just short of the line.
The game ended in a merited 10 points to 6 victory for Paul Kathrens’ team and Abercynon
received the Silver Ball from Wales and British Lions flanker John Taylor.

This was the first trophy won by Abercynon since they had gained their Welsh Rugby Union
Membership in 1947 and it was to be the first of many honours gained by Abercynon R.F.C
in the 1970’s.

The Abercynon team that day was
Paul Kathrens (captain), Viv Carlick, John Cooper, Byron Broadstock, Terry Coxley, Martin
Davies, Tommy Lewis, Alun Lock, Clive Thomas, Geryn Thomas, Jeff Howell, Glyn Pugh,
Steve Davies, Tony Owen, Alan Jones.

These players would form the nucleus of the teams that achieved so much success in the
1970’s and most would play on into the mid 1980’s. After their playing careers ended they
served the club in many roles, as committeemen, fixture secretary, Club Chairman,
President and team manager and in other ways which helped develop this great club,
ground and facilities that we have today.  They have also coached of both senior, youth and junior teams where they have proved an inspiration to future generations of players.

Their legacy has continued through their children with no less than 14 of their sons
following in their footsteps and playing for the club and to date six of their grandsons have
played senior rugby for Abercynon R.F.C.

They have been the foundation upon which Abercynon R.F.C is built.

Before yesterday's game the Vice Presidents were honoured to have as their guests the members of
the team that played in the final 50 years ago.

A special mention also goes to Darren Kathrens for organising the day! Diolch yn fawr

Further Images of yesterday's celebration can be found in the Video & Gallery        link