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Senghenydd RFC has celebrated its 125th anniversary – with six clubs putting rivalries aside to mark the occasion.

On Friday November 22, the Saints joined forces with Nelson and Penallta to take on a combined Bedwas, Caerphilly, and Machen side at a packed-out Welfare Ground.

It was Senghenydd, along with the Unicorns and Pitmen, who came out on top in the game, winning 21-10 in what was a hard-fought, physical encounter with plenty of tough tackles on a freezing cold night in the Aber Valley.

In total, £1,225 was raised on the night for the Aber Valley Heritage Group, which looks after the Aber Valley Heritage Museum and the National Mining Memorial in Senghenydd.

There are now plans for the fixture to become an annual event, with each club taking it in turns to host. Nelson are keen to host next year’s event to coincide with their 90th anniversary, while Penallta are hoping to host the 2027 edition to mark their 75th anniversary.

‘Collective effort’

Speaking to Caerphilly Observer after the game, Senghenydd chairman Gareth Bowen said: “A tremendous amount of effort has gone into today by about six or seven backroom staff, and without them this wouldn’t have taken place, so my utmost thanks go to them.

“It’s been a collective effort from a lot of good people.

“I’m absolutely delighted with how it went. It’s been a success on and off the field.”

There was also praise from the other clubs involved in the event. Lyn Bowen, president of Nelson RFC, said: “It’s brilliant for grassroots clubs to get together. Even though these are local derbies for us, we all have good relationships. 

“It’s brilliant to pull this off. You see the crowds out there tonight, it’s a credit to all the clubs and the volunteers behind all this. It’s not a paid job for the people doing it.”

Steve Chubb, Penallta RFC committee member, said: “It’s been an honour and a privilege to come and be a part of everything that’s gone on tonight. What a great idea. It’s our 75th anniversary in 2027, so hopefully it will come to us that year. 

“You can see by the turnout tonight, what a great idea this is. Why hasn’t it been done earlier?”

Bedwas RFC director Bill Price also heaped praise on Senghenydd for organising the event: “I think it’s been a great success for Senghenydd rugby club, and going forward we’ve been talking with the other five clubs about trying to do this as a once-a-year event to raise money for charity.

“It’s been a fantastic day and Senghenydd should be really proud of how they’ve organised it. It was a really successful evening.”

Among those who helped the event go smoothly were referees Stuart Evans, Paddy Bateman, and Gavin Jackson, as well as ball boy Bailey Crook, and sponsors Beton Buan, and Christopher Snailham and Family Funeral Directors.

125 years of history

Formed during the 1898/99 season, Senghenydd RFC was built around the migrant workers who came to the area to mine.

However, the village soon fell victim to the worst-ever mining disaster in British history.

On October 14, 1913, 439 miners died in the Universal Colliery disaster, five of which were members of Senghenydd RFC.

Following a break during the two world wars, the club returned to have its most successful period, winning the Glamorgan County Silver Ball Trophy and the Mid District Championship five times in six years during the 1960s.

One of the club’s highlights came during the 2010/11 season, where they won the league and beat Maesteg at the then-Millennium Stadium to lift the Swalec Bowl.

Now the club sit in Division 1 East, which is the fourth tier of club rugby in Wales.

Moving forward

Gareth Bowen has been at the top of Senghenydd RFC for three years now. Keen to “get stuck in” though, Gareth has taken a hands-on approach to the role. He said: “We’ve improved the facilities at the club, starting with the floodlight system which was 50-years-old.

During his time as chairman, efforts have been made to improve the clubhouse, which now has solar panels. It will also open a new disabled toilet soon to help make the club more inclusive.

On the pitch, the club is going from strength-to-strength, with multiple age groups and a female section – The Sirens – who are having a “great” season, said Gareth.

“We could always be doing better of course, but we’re in a good spot at the minute.”