By Carl Field
Rhys Shellard enjoyed a triumphant return to Sardis Road as his Aberdare side edged out Dafydd Lockyer’s Abercwmboi on try count (3-1) after a 19-19 draw to lift the Worthington’s Mid District Bowl for only the second time.
Neither Shellard or Lockyer need much of an introduction at the House of Pain, where they both enjoyed glittering trophy-laden careers with Pontypridd before taking up player coach roles with their own respective local clubs.
For flanker Shellard, this was his first time stepping back out on his old stomping ground, a year after bringing the curtain down on his illustrious playing career with Pontypridd, for whom he made 264 appearances over almost two decades, either side of a short spell away.
Powerhouse centre Lockyer became an iconic figure during an 18-year period and 381 games for Pontypridd before saying his own goodbyes in 2021.
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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 Two East Central. They also reached the Principality Stadium in the Division Two Cup final but were denied glory by Morrison.
“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.
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Scorers:
Aberdare: Tries: Matthew Davies (2), Ben Miller; Cons: Matthew Lloyd, Jarrad Rees.
Abercomboi: Try: Aaron Bolitho, Con: Shaun Davies; Pens: Shaun Davies (4).
