News

Following the tribute to Billy Pritchard I feel it only right to comment on the funeral held at Llwydcoed Crematorium.

It was so good to see so many people who wanted to give Billy the respect and gratitude that we as a club hold dear, there were representatives from a number of rugby clubs as well which I know has given great comfort to Billy’s family.

For myself and the committee it made us immensely proud that so many members from all the different sections of the club came and paid their respects to this very special man.

It was a difficult day made even more difficult with the lockdown being inforce and not being able to commemorate and celebrate his achievements in the traditional way.

To those who attended, a big thank you for your commitment and time given and I am sure at some point in the future we will raise a glass to Bill and toast him.

We have been asked and permission has been given for some of his remains to be scattered on the main pitch

And I hope those who grace that pitch will play with Bills tenacity and stubbornness to not accept defeat and hope it is felt by us all who have and will play for our club now and in the future as he will continue to be with us.

I also asked for some thoughts from some of his older friends who knew him well to write a few memories and stories.

Howard Rees who was Billy’s closest friend and who Billy regarded as a brother

He said of him when I first met Billy it was as an opposition flanker to his number 8, he broke from a scrum and I went to make the biggest impression of my career as a young and ambitious flanker with a low hard tackle, Billy was carrying the ball one handed and literally pushed my face into the ground and continued on his merry way rampaging into our back line causing chaos, from that moment when I spoke to him after the game we became friends and that friendship has never waned.

Bobby Jenkins also put pen to paper with

I first met Billy Pritchard some sixty years ago and our friendship has been firmly maintained throughout the passing years. As youngsters, Aberaman Y.M.C.A was the centre of our universe. We both loved sport of any type and the “ Y.M “ gave us the opportunity to explore and improve our skills. We played various sports together at this time, but basketball was our favourite. As years passed I also had the pleasure of playing rugby with and against Billy (I had a cut eyebrow to prove it!). We have recalled unforgettable “incidents” and great memories of these times. To the present day Billy never changed, he remained the same honest, forthright and a no nonsense guy, who possessed a wicked sense of humour an inimitable laugh!

I will always remember this unique person with the utmost respect!

Thanks Billy!

A fitting way to remember Billy Pritchard as the sportsman and friend to the end!!!!

Darrell Williams

Chairman