ABERDARE RFC ANNUAL DINNER 2008

The 2008 Aberdare Annual Dinner was held at the Clubhouse and proved to be very popular, being fully subscribed several weeks before the event. Invited guests included Mr Dennis Gethin, the President of the WRU, and local celebrity Mr. Roy Noble. The guest speaker was Mr. Sean Holley the assistant coach of the Welsh regional rugby team the Ospreys.

After enjoying the traditional dinner the proceedings began with the loyal toast by Club Captain Mark Brennan. This was followed by the proposal from newly appointed senior team Manager Mr Darrell (Daz) Williams. Although Daz has only recently taken his present position he has been with Aberdare RFC for many years as a player, youth coach and sponsor and this indeed was in evidence as he made his speech in which he gave his vision of the way he felt was the way forward for the club. The junior section, with which Daz is still involved, is flourishing and very successful with upwards of two hundred members between the age of eight and sixteen years old. He gave thanks to the many coaches, parents and others who turned out every weekend to enable this success to continue.

The youth side traditionally is a strong side and has been no exception this season where they are also doing very well in their league and it is hoped that many of the current youth players will make the transition to the senior sides when they become eligible to do so. 

Last but not least he spoke about the senior sides who again are having a very good season with the athletic XV currently in first place in their league and the 1st XV currently in second place in division 4 south east and pushing for promotion. He concluded by saying that as far as rugby is concerned the club is having a successful season with a strong player base and we must all strive to keep it so.

Mr. Humphrey Evans then responded to Daz thanking him for a most inspiring speech and agreeing with his comments.

Mr. Phil Walters Llb County Coroner and President of the club then introduced Mr. Sean Holley the guest speaker.

Sean then began by saying how his promising playing career had been cut short by a serious injury to his knee at a young age and he had therefore devoted his energy to coaching rugby. He had coached at several levels prior to applying for and getting the position as assistant coach to Lyn Jones at the Ospreys. He had many tales and anecdotes from his time as a coach and also gave an insight into the running of the Ospreys and working with Lyn Jones. He  kept everyone amused and entertained and was greeted with applause by the appreciative audience when he came to an end. 

Guests then repaired to bar to enjoy the rest of the evening in the traditional manner.

A special thanks must go to Mr. Gavin Williams of Bairstow Eves and Mr.Chris Middleton of Brains Brewery for their sponsorship of the evening.

Aberdare 1st XV will continue with their league challenge with an away game to Pentyrch on 1st March 2008. The athletic team will travel to Porth for their fixture while the Youth Team will be at the Ynys against Senghenydd on the same date.

The season has been disjointed this year because of the fixture schedule of the international side, however you can enjoy the match atmosphere by coming along to the clubhouse to enjoy the atmosphere and watch all the six nations games on the big screen. For further details contact the clubhouse on      (01685) 871124 or visit our comprehensive website at aberdarerugby@hotmail.com