St Helen’s ArchivePreserving the past for the future

PQ086

Plaque

CIC

Neath RFC

2021-2022

Plaque, slate with polished and lacquered front surface. Neath RFC 150th season badge in centre. Beneath is text from the report on their earliest known match: "On Saturday, a match was witnessed between Swansea and Neath Clubs. The interest displayed was very great, although the result was undecided, both parties claiming to be victors." "Swansea & Glamorgan Herald, February 7th 1872." Dimensions: h7 1/2" x w7 1/2" ( h19cm x w19cm)

This plaque was presented on 4th February 2021 at St Helen's to Swansea RFC by Mike Price, Fixture Secretary of Neath RFC and accepted on behalf of Swansea RFC by club President Stan Addicott. The presentation was made at the end of the friendly match between the two clubs at St Helen's, which Swansea won 21 -17. The fixture was played to mark Neath's 150th anniversary and the anniversary of their first recorded match, which was played against a Swansea team on Wednesday 4th March 1872 at The Gnoll, Neath. The quote on the plaque is that from the newspaper article in the Swansea & Glamorgan Herald on Saturday 7th March 1872 (p3). Although the Swansea club does not hold that a Swansea club existed at that time, there is further evidence of the Neath team in existence and this is the earliest description of a match they played.

neath rfc, 1871-1872, 150th anniversary,