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In a break from recent tradition the committee at Aberdare RFC decided to hold the 2005 annual ‘Player Of The Year’ presentation evening at the clubhouse. Guest speakers included Keith Rowlands, WRU President and ex British Lions & Aberdare player, Brett Cockbain, member of the Welsh team who are current Grand Slam champions, and Scott Johnson, the skills coach with the WRU.

After an excellent meal provided by the club Steward Dai and his Wife Penny, the evening began with an opening address by Chairman Humphrey Evans. After welcoming our members and guests Humphrey congratulated the first team on an outstanding performance in the league and gaining promotion to Division 3 South East.

The second team also had a very good season and provided players to the 1^st XV on many occasions due to injury etc, and only lost out on silverware having narrowly been beaten in the final of the Ivor Jones cup at Abercynon by Mountain Ash Seconds after dominating the first half.

The Youth, Junior and Mini sections were also very strong last season with the youth team having a successful tour of Benidorm, and the junior and mini sides touring Exmouth in Devon.

There are several of the present youth team up at senior level next season and I am sure competition for selection will be fierce. Nick Davies, Keith Rowlands, Brett Cockbain and Scott Johnson then made speeches prior to the presentations with Scott Johnson in particular proving to be very popular with his hilarious tales about his life and experiences in Wales and with the Welsh Team.

The presentations then began with the Aberdare player of the year. This was a very difficult decision as the whole team had performed extremely well and many of the players were in contention for the award. However it was decided after much consideration to make the award this year, jointly, to Steven Jenkins and Matthew Smith, the first team centre partnership. The full list of awards were as follows: -

Senior Teams

Player of the Year 2004 - 2005	Matthew Smith / Stephen Jenkins
Presidents Tankard	Mark Brennan
Player's Player Tankard	Stephen Jenkins
Senior Selectors Award	Luke Thomas
Most Promising Player	Matthew Shellard
Athletic XV Player of the Year	Gareth Shellard
Most Promising Athletic Player	Ceirion Griffiths

Player of the Year	Gareth Jablonski
Most Improved Player	Gareth Summerill
Most Promising Player	Ben Bowen
David Picton Captains Cup	Owen Wrangham
Youth Selectors Award	Anthony Watts/Adam Jenkins
Clubman of the Year	Nick (Ed) Evans

A special award was then made to Mr. Dai Jones for outstanding contribution to the athletic side during the past several seasons.

The entertainment then commenced with a disco provided by the ever-popular resident DJ and 1^st XV hooker Luke (DJ) Thomas. The evening was well attended and the decision to hold the event at the clubhouse proved to be a great success.

Aberdare begin their challenge in Division 3 South East with an away game at Brecon on Sept. 3^rd.

Two pre-season fixtures have also been arranged for the senior side against Mountain Ash RFC at home on 13/08/05 and away on 20/08/05.

*The recently refurbished function room at the Aberdare clubhouse is available for private hire; details can be obtained by calling the club on Aberdare (01685) 871124.