Abercwmboi
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Full Back Paul Edwards going through a gap to score Centre Shaun Davies making ground
“ Back in the late seventies Sunday pub rugby was very popular as it suited many to enjoy the sport as well as having the social aspect of it afterwards .”
“ When Sunday matches started to become a bit scarce I asked some friends , who were mostly playing for other local clubs at the time , how they felt about signing up for Abercwmboi . The rest is history as they say and after we got the go ahead from the Junior Union and the miners welfare allowed us to play on their land we were up and running - I didn ’ t really know where it would all go !
“ We started building a reputation for playing in a particular style and being socially spirited and this helped attract players . Our club constitution was put on paper and emphasised that we would include in our club anyone who wanted to play and we added that we would never pay any of our players . We have witnessed many clubs struggle with professionalism so our amateur stance has served us well .
“ I have worn most hats at the clubs over the years as captain , secretary , chairman etc . and this year I am delighted to accept the club presidency .
“ We registered the club as a charity and with the help of a loan we bought and developed our clubhouse . Our mini , junior and youth rugby have really progressed over the years with the ethos being that we wish everyone well who moves on from our club , making it clear that you are always welcome when you chose to return .
“ Today we have a beautiful new club house and a 3G pitch which we share with other community teams ; a long distance from the early days when we couldn ’ t afford a DJ for our Christmas party and standing outside our derelict clubhouse building on a cold Boxing Day morning looking forward to a game of rugby !”
Phil Lewis , a founder member of Abercwmboi Rugby Club
Mark Rees has had a long and positive association with Abercwmboi RFC . He recently told Rugby Club Magazine , “ I was in the Royal Marines at the time and when I returned home in 1987 at the age of 19 , a friend of a friend invited me down to the club and the rest is history as they say .”
“ My main playing position was scrum half , the same as my son Jordan who also plays outside half . My other son Jarrad plays at Aberdare as their centre and my wife Elizabeth , who has been assistant treasurer for many years , played senior ladies rugby and coached the juniors too .
MARK REES & SONS Ltd
Roofing & Building Contractors
All Building Work Undertaken PROUD SPONSORS OF ABERCWMBOI RFC
Tel : 01685 884554 Mob : 07710 163506
“ I am a level 3 coach myself and have coached many of the club ’ s teams . It ’ s great to see the boys sitting near the top of the league but there is always room for improvement and the attitude has to be ‘ we can do better !’ My family has had a great relationship with Abercwmboi Rugby Club and my business Mark Rees & Sons Ltd has been a sponsor for over 20 years . Myself and my family would like to wish everybody associated with the club all the best for the future !”
56 Issue 69