History of Newport RFC :: 1874

"The Aberavon Rugby Club, founded in 1876, had many problems before securing a permanent home. Traditional rivals, Neath, were the first opponents and the game was played on a boggy field on which New Street now stands. To get to the ground spectators had to go via Sandfields, or along a narrow lane which ran between two deep ditches ? a very hazardous return route for unpopular referees and "dirty" players! In 1879 the club moved to Kent Field away from the town centre, but when Port Talbot Docks was extended Aberavon lost the pitch. Temporary homes followed, including a field near the tin-plate works."

"In 1897 Danny Jones became the first international and he was followed by Alfred Brice who won 18 consecutive caps by 1904. Again the club was forced to move when the expansion of the steel company took over the land. There were further moves before Aberavon RFC ended up on the Athletic Ground ? another boggy playing surface! However, the pitch was soon put to right and now Aberavon's facilities rank with the best."

"In the 1920s Aberavon won four consecutive championships between 1923 and 1926. Ned Jenkins, Evan Williams and Bryn Phillips were outstanding during this period. Later, in the post-war period Walter Vickery, Emlyn Davies and Cliff Ashton captained successful sides and further caps were gained by John Collins, Tony O'Connor, David Thomas and Phil Morgan. Under the captaincy of another international, Rory O'Connor, Aberavon won the championship in 1960/61. During this period Paul Wheeler, Max Wiltshire and Billy Mainwaring were also capped. The 1970s produced Allan Martin, Ian Hall, Clive Shell and the much-regarded John Bevan, sadly no longer with us. The Wizards reached the Cup Final in 1974 and 1975 only to be beaten by Llanelli on both occasions."

"Success in the Eighties has eluded Aberavon, but last season there was a resurgence of form with the scalps of Newbridge and Pontypool, together with a fine run in the Schweppes Cup, before losing to Bridgend, 6pts to 12pts, in a tense semi-final. Last season when our clubs met at Rodney Parade, on 11th November, the Black and Ambers won by 24pts to 14pts. That day the Newport committee and supporters missed their favourite cheer-leader ? Mrs. Mainwaring ? who was home in Aberavon looking after a sick husband. With hubby restored to good health, she led the cheering when Aberavon beat Newport at the Athletic Ground on March 31st by 21ptsto 12pts. Now our two clubs are at the top of the Heineken Firt Division at the moment, there should be plenty to shout about this afternoon!"

"DIDN'T WE DO WELL!"

"Newport has won the Heineken 1st Division "Team of the Month Award" and Paul Turner the "Player of the Month Award". Congratulations to Paul and the Newport Squad. The Presentation will be made at half-time today."