Rhys Shellard enjoyed a triumphant return to Sardis Road as his Aberdare side edged out Dafydd Lockyer’s Abercwmboi on try count to lift the Worthington’s Mid District Bowl for only the second time.
Powerhouse centre Lockyer became an iconic figure during an 18-year period and 381 games for Pontypridd before saying his own goodbyes in 2021.
Lockyer of course returned 12 months ago to lead Abercwmboi to an historic Mid District Bowl triumph over Abercynon on this ground to lift the trophy for the first time in the club’s history.
The Village were hoping to retain it against another of their Cynon Valley rivals but would ultimately miss out in agonising fashion as Aberdare came from behind to bag the Bowl, six years on from their own inaugural success in 2017, which was also at Sardis Road.
Centre Shaun Davies kicked Abercwmboi into a 6-0 lead in the first-half. He then added another two penalties in the second half, but a brace of tries from from full-back Matthew Davies, the first converted by outside half Matthew Lloyd, and one right at the death from wing Ben Miller – converted by centre Jarrad Rees – won it for the Snakes.
Ben Miller scores
There was still time for replacement Aaron Bolitho to score a last-gasp try for Abercwmboi in a frantic finale with Shaun Davies adding the extras but, with the scoreboard level, Aberdare celebrated getting the better of their near neighbours once again, having already beaten them twice in the league this term.
“They’re a good team Abercwmboi,” said Shellard after the game. “Local derbies are never pretty and last time we played them up there we scored with the last play of the game to win, so we knew they were going to be a tough outfit.”
With Aberdare taking the ‘home’ dressing room, it was back to familiar surroundings for Shellard, who took up his old perch as if he’d never been away!
“It was a bit surreal coming through the gates,” he admitted. “Me and Locks [Lockyer] spoke about it before – I think it must be the first time in around 15 years since we’ve played down here against each other. It’s always a pleasure to play at Pontypridd, and it was good to be back.”
It was the final act in what has been a remarkable season for Aberdare, who will be playing Division One rugby next season after earning promotion from Division 2 East Central. They also reached the WRU Division 2 Cup final, going down to Morriston at Principality Stadium.
“To be honest we couldn’t have asked any more from the boys,” said Shellard, who added he is relishing his player coach role and says he plans to carry on lacing up his boots for at least one more season!
“We’ve got a good young bunch of boys here and I’ve loved every minute of it. I’ve played nearly every game, I didn’t really expect that!”
Meanwhile despite just falling short here, it has still been an historic campaign for Abercwmboi, who will themselves be playing Division One rugby for the first time in their history next term after securing promotion alongside Abercynon and Aberdare.
The Village wrap up their league campaign with a scheduled home fixture against Cowbridge on Saturday.
