Welcome to the History Page

A NEATH Baker and Confectioner rose to the occasion when the

Worthington Silver Ball competition was in its infancy.

The tournament was launched in 1956, and J Norman Hunt volunteered to meet costs.

He also added to his gift in providing a pennant to the winning club to hang 

in their clubhouse once the Silver Ball had been returned.

He guaranteed funds for 10 years, and his generosity made the entire Concept possible. 

The tournament was the brainchild in 1955 of Glamorgan County president elect Glan Williams 

in a bid to stimulate interest among the 64-strong clubs. 

A NEATH baker and confectioner rose to the occasion when the 

It was meant to pair the eight strongest junior clubs 

against Glamorgan's eight first class sides during the closing stages. 

However the response from the big clubs was disappointing and Welsh Academicals 

were brought in to make a realistic quarter-final. Birmingham-based trophy makers Thomas Fattoinni

 produced a silver rugby ball at a cost of £100 - and the inaugural competition aroused plenty of

Interest. Taibach faced Skewen in The Gnoll final, the Ploughmen winning 9-3, and a profit of £178 was declared.

And just like former England World Cup football star Martin Peters back In 1966,

 Glamorgan County were ahead of their time in coming up with a tournament of this nature.

Half a century on and the competition continues to go from strength to strength and this year it attracted 104 clubs.

Paul Doubler - marketing manager of sponsors Coors Brewery - recognised the impact of the Silver Ball

 during the recent presentation evening staged at Llanharan RFC.

"We are delighted to be associated with the Silver Ball, and most of the success is down to one man 

 Secretary Howard Jones,

" he said.” His efforts have not only led to him becoming well respected in the WRU corridors,

 but he is now quite rightly known as Mr. Silver Ball.” 

The 50th staging of the tournament also led to clubs receiving improved Prizes’ for participating. Winners Ynysybwl, 

whose players all picked up silver cuff links, picked up a cheque for £5,000.

Losing finalists Tonna were better off to the tune of £2,000 

while semi-finalists Cwmafan and Penclawdd both banked cheques for £1,000.

Penallta, Porth and Heol-y-Cyw, who all bowed out in the quarter-finals received £500 each.

Also presented on the night was HB Trophy winners Porth for scoring the Most tries in qualifying matches.

They will now host Silver Ball winners Ynysybwl

 in a pre-season clash for the President's Cup on a date yet to be agreed on.

 Finally, the most meritorious team award was handed to Pyle.