Rugby club putting rivalries aside for 125th anniversary

Senghenydd RFC are set to celebrate their 125th anniversary with a special one-off match involving six rival rugby clubs.

Chairman Gareth Bowen hopes to “bring people together” as part of the club’s celebrations on Friday November 22, as rivalries are put to one side.

Speaking to Caerphilly Observer ahead of the match, Gareth said: “Traditionally, everyone knows there are long-standing rivalries between Senghenydd, Nelson, and Penallta.

“You could also say the same between Caerphilly, Bedwas and Machen, so we thought what better way to celebrate than to get seven players from each club and put them together. We really want to break those barriers down.”

Gareth explained how he and the club looked to book the Crawshays, but due to a lack of availability, settled on this new initiative – which he hopes will become an annual event.

He continued: “I think if this goes well we could see it return with each club taking turns to host. That’ll get some much needed faces in the clubhouse and hopefully build relationships.

“We have three referees from the club, and they’ve been given a special commemorative top, one which will also be framed at the clubhouse.”

All gate receipts will be donated to a soon-to-be-revealed local charity, the identity of which is being kept a secret until a cheque is handed over.

The game will kick-off at the Welfare in Senghenydd on Friday November 22 at 7pm, with tickets available for £5.