On a sun-drenched afternoon at the Ynys, emotions ran high as Aberdare RFC prepared to close the curtain on their first season in the WRU Championship East Division. 

More than just a game, this was a day to honour a club legend, Rhys Shellard, taking to the field one last time. Both sets of players and supporters stood united pre-kickoff, offering a heartfelt ovation as ‘Shelly’ was clapped onto the pitch for his swan-song appearance in blue and amber.

The Snakes began with purpose and intensity, immediately pinning Talywain back with sustained pressure. Their early dominance paid dividends in the 7th minute when a well-executed driving maul from a lineout deep in the visitors’ territory allowed Connor Lacey to peel off and crash over. Garyn Payne made no mistake with the conversion, giving Aberdare a deserved 7–0 lead.

The game then settled into a physical contest, both sides locked in an attritional arm wrestle for territory and momentum. It wasn’t until the 30th minute that the scoreboard changed again. Aberdare, guilty of a few unforced errors, ceded possession and field position, and Talywain made them pay by spreading the ball wide for a converted try to level the match at 7–7, where it stayed heading into the break.

The second half began with renewed urgency from Aberdare. Payne nudged the hosts ahead five minutes in with a superbly struck 40-metre penalty, restoring a slender lead. 

The momentum seemed firmly with the Snakes, and when a misfired Talywain lineout gifted Owen Young possession, Young needed no second invitation, scooping up the loose ball and scorching 60 metres to the line to score a stunning individual try. Though the conversion was missed, Aberdare stretched their advantage to 15–7 and looked well placed to see out the game.

But rugby can be cruel. What followed was a gut-wrenching final 25 minutes as Talywain found another gear. With Aberdare tiring and errors creeping in, the visitors struck three times with converted tries, exploiting space out wide. A quick fire 21-point blitz flipped the game on its head, and with the score at 15–28, Aberdare were left chasing a late try and conversion to salvage a losing bonus point.

Despite throwing everything at Talywain in the dying moments, the Snakes couldn’t break through, and the game and season ended in frustration. From an 8-point lead to a 13-point defeat, it was a harsh reminder of how swiftly a match can turn at this level.

The result was not the fairy-tale ending Rhys Shellard deserved but that’s sport.

Though the curtain falls on the 2024–25 campaign with a disappointing final result, we can reflect with immense pride on what has been a milestone year. Tasked simply with surviving our debut season in the WRU Championship, the Snakes did far more, securing a solid 7th-place finish and showing they belong at this level.

This journey has been one built on unity, resilience, and a full squad effort, from the 1st XV to the Athletic. Speaking of the latter, the club’s Athletic squad had a stellar year, lifting the Mid District A Division title and making it to the Semi-Finals of the Mel Davies Cup, a remarkable achievement for all involved.

Equally inspiring has been the emergence of youth. The U18s, many of whom juggled senior and youth fixtures, stepped up with confidence and quality. Their own season has been equally impressive, defined by passion and promise.

Meanwhile, the heartbeat of the club, our Minis and Juniors, continue to flourish. Every Sunday at the Ynys is a testament to the dedication of our volunteers, coaches, and families who help nurture the future of Aberdare RFC.

To everyone who has contributed to this unforgettable season, players, coaches, backroom staff, committee members, sponsors, members, and supporters, thank you.