Neath RFC’s Annual Presentation Evening – run in conjunction as usual with the Neath Rugby Supporters’ Club (NRSC) Hall of Fame – proved another very enjoyable and successful occasion.

Around 150 supporters were present to enjoy the evening’s events which embrace the present generation as well as the past.

NRSC chairman Len Kowalski started proceedings with a respectful minute’s silence in memory of those lost during the year including Mark Jones who sadly passed away the week before.

The evening then settled into its well-established format as Head Coach Tim Ryan made the presentations for Neath RFC’s 2024/25 campaign when the Welsh All Blacks finished third in the new WRU Premiership.

Club caps were presented by Head Coach – Tim Ryan to Matthew Davies, Gareth Lloyd, Ben Uphill and Steff Williams – grand clubmen all – who have reached the 100 appearance mark, as below:

Casey Williams carried off the Neath RFC Player of the Year award with fellow back-rowers Gethin Tremlett taking the Players’ Player of the Year title and skipper Ben Williams was rewarded with the Clubman of the Year after a campaign in which he consistently put team before self:

Most Improved Player award went to Tarik Dabeh after a season of solid advancement and there was a merited award too for scrum-half Ellis Lewis who made the Wales squads at Under-18, Under-19 and now Under-20 levels:

The Neath Rugby Supporters Club awards – as voted by the supporters – for forwards and backs went to Matthew Davies and Kieran Charles.

After a short interlude for the as always excellent “half-time” buffet, Neath RFC secretary Mike Price introduced the “Hall of Fame” inductees with a short reflection on each player’s career and achievements on the ‘Night of the Tight Heads’ with the late John Dodd, Phil Langford and John Davies honoured.
Ryan Bevington receives the award on behalf of the late John Dodd from Tarik Dabeh. Phil Langford is presented by Lyn Jones and John Davies receives his award from Kevin Phillips:

Alan Edmunds’ award is presented to Alan’s daughter, Rhian by Kevin Phillips. Mike Whitson receives his award from Kevin Phillips and Arwel Thomas receives his award from Casey Williams:

The three tight head props joined winger Alan Edmunds, lock Mike Whitson and speechless outside-half Arwel Thomas in being admitted  to the elite band of Neath RFC legends who include :-

T.P. Whittington, Sam S. Clarke, Dr. E.V. Pegge, Will Jones, Howel Jones, Albert E. Freethy, Frank Rees, Glyn Stephens, Tom Evans, Tom Arthur, Dan Jones, Rees Stephens,

Roy John, Courtenay Meredith, Ron Waldron, Grahame Hodgson, Brian Thomas, Glen Ball, Martyn Davies, Randall Davies, Norman Rees, David Parker, Dave Morris, Wilson Lauder, Glyn Shaw, Robert Hughes, Mike Richards, Elgan Rees, Carl Gnojek, Phil Pugh, Steve Dando, Martyn Morris, Steve Powell, David Morgan, Jonathan Davies, Huw Richards, Lyn Jones, Brian Williams, Paul Thorburn, Rowland Phillips, Jeremy Pugh, Kevin Phillips, Mark Jones, Gareth Llewellyn, Chris Bridges, Allan Bateman, Adrian Varney, Barry Williams, Patrick Horgan, Shane Williams, Duncan Jones, Adam Jones, Euros Evans, James Hook, Gareth King and Martin Jones.

The evening was topped off with the raffle and NRSC chairman Len Kowalski, vice chairman Dawn Williams, Paula Williams and Wayne Hopkins are to be congratulated on co-ordinating another wonderful evening.

The speeches, anecdotes and general good fun characterised an excellent evening which firmly illustrated again that Neath RFC is alive and well – no matter what is thrown in its direction !