Aberavon Quins RFC - Early History

Early History

The real beginning was in 1904 when they were known as the Aberavon Excels and played in an all white strip. After the first world war in 1918 the nucleus of the Excels met and formed the Aberavon Harlequins R.F.C. as it has been known as ever since. They played on flat waste ground in what is now the Sandfields Estate; this then became to be known as the Harlequins Field. They changed in St Dyfrigs Church Hall. Sid Davies who had been with the Excels was the secretary and the skipper was Griff Bamsey, who together with his brother Willie became stalwart forwards with Neath RFC & Aberavon RFC.

In 1926/27, Aberavon RFC formed a second XV. This inevitably attracted the better Quins players and for a few seasons for which this team ran it was a struggle to keep the Quins going.

In 1932/33, the club was reformed by Dick Lody, Dill Stanford, Don Mainwaring and H.Williams. This marked a period of great expansion there was great improvement in enthusiasm and fixtures. The club went from strength to strength, until the outbreak of World War II. Inevitably playing of all sport was curtailed but a decision by the local authority in connection with the war effort brought mixed blessings to the club. Their playing area laid by their own efforts, was needed for the ‘Grow Your Own Food’ campaign, and became allotments for local residents.

When the war ended another era began. The club was again to reform. Dick Lody was the sec, Fred Bamsey the Treasurer (Fred’s father Griff had been captain in 1922/23). Players were keen to get back in harness, eventually the allotments were ploughed up and levelled, reseeded and the area fenced off. Posts were moved to an area close to the Brwyna and once more they changed in St Dyfrigs Hall as in 1918. The captain of the team was Griff Davies who was later a long serving treasurer. Despite difficulties The Burton Cup and Hospitals Cup were won.

In 1951 the playing strength received a tremendous boost, when former Maesteg RFC, Wales and British Lions scrum half Trevor Lloyd came back to his original club Aberavon Harlequins. Lloyd made an immediate impact on the playing side and soon made his presence felt. His arrival coincided with the club’s application for WRU status.

1955/56 was the best ever playing record in the Quins history. In over thirty matches they lost only once. They beat Taibach RFC (inaugural Glamorgan Silver Ball winners) three times and beat a number of other WRU clubs. Trevor Lloyd’s invaluable experience, toughness and enthusiasm made all the difference to the team. He was a fine example of how clubs like the Quins have been repaid for their existence as a feeder club. His presence demonstrated that traffic between smaller and bigger clubs does not need to be one way.