Between them, Gordon Adams (Bargoed RFC) and Gordon Williams (Abercynon RFC) have racked up more than 100 years of service to their clubs and the Mid District Rugby Union. They also serve on the committee that organises the annual dinner to commemorate the memory of former WRU President, George Morgan.
Adams acts as the Trust Secretary with Williams, who served on the WRU for a dozen years as one of the representatives of District C, doing the duties of Trust Treasurer. Having helped to attract a record 400 guests to attend the dinner at the Vale of Glamorgan Resort last month they eventually found themselves at centre stage.
The dynamic duo usually do their best work in the shadows, unseen by most people, but they were delighted to be surprised by the master of ceremonies, Garin Jenkins, when he announced they were being added to the Mid District Rugby Union Hall of Fame.
The Hall of Fame was inaugurated more than a decade ago when Cliff Moran and Neil Jenkins became the first inductees at a dinner held at the Coal Exchange in Cardiff Bay. The event then feel into abeyance for a few years before it was resurrected as part of the George Morgan Trust dinner.
Other famous names who have been honoured include Bob Penberthy, Richard Parkes, Martyn Williams and Garin Jenkins. Earlier in the night, ex-Wales skipper Brian Price and fellow Lions forward Mike Griffiths joined them.
Then came the surprise for Adams and Williams when they were added to the list for their sterling service. An uncompromising hooker or back rower during his playing days at Bargoed, Adams acted as the club’s Secretary for 26 years and spent 12 years as Secretary of the Mid District, also for 12 years.
“It really was sprung upon us and was totally unexpected. It was one of those very pleasant surprises,” admitted Williams.
“We worked out that between us we had both given more than 100 years of service to our clubs and the Mid District. It was nice to be honoured at the dinner, which has grown in size every year.
“Next year will be out 10th anniversary and it is great that the clubs within the district come out and support the memory of George Morgan. With the money we raise we help clubs and schools with everything from kit to posts.”
Adams will see his club, Bargoed, playing in the Principality Premiership for the first time this season and, like Williams, was equally shocked at his inclusion on the Roll of Honour.
“I was extremely surprised and delighted to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. I’m absolutely flattered to be in such prestigious company, and I’m a very proud man,” said Adams.
“The work of the Trust is very close to my heart, and the aim of the hard working Trustees is to support young people in rugby, particularly at grass roots level.”
Williams also found himself honoured at the AGM of the Mid District RU when he was awarded life membership along with two other former WRU Directors, Humphrey Evans and Clive Pritchard. The meeting also saw John Clayton (Mountain Ash RFC) take over as President and Williams and Jamie Willis (Beddau RFC) re-elected to the posts of Treasurer and Secretary respectively for the 2016/17 season.
