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In 1870 groups of men met in public houses and discussed
the growing game of rugby. Amongst them were 'new' English workers who had
played or watched a few games. This interest led to the establishment of a
team which played several fixtures in 1871 against neighbouring, mainly
work's sides, like those at Pontymoile (Pontypool) and Tredegorville (Cardiff).
These games were played to uncertain rules and varying numbers of players.
The natural leader and captain in these early games was Frank Purdon who
went on to play for Wales and, some say, for Ireland.
By the 1880's the Machen team was well known and established. The Welsh
Rugby Union had been formed by now and standards raised. Several visiting
teams complained about the slope of the Ffwrrm field on which Machen
played. These grumbles ended when, in 1891, Welsh Athlete reported,
"Machen's new pitch is equal to any within a 20 mile radius".
In the 1930's the always keen rivalry between Machen and Bedwas
intensified.
Stories of the "battles" between the Davies brothers of Machen - Shon,
Chip, Ron, and Alban and three brothers from Bedwas continued after
the war. The rivalry has continued to this present day, as it has with
Risca. A particular game against Risca, on Good Friday, finished 12-11
to them - not the score, but the numbers of players left on the field
after injury and dismissals.
No account would be complete without a mention of Jack' Shon' Davies.
After playing several seasons he made an immense contribution to the
clubs survival after the war. Shon rounded up all available men between
16 and 40 years old, through out the years 1945-1958. He was the club
secretary for 36 years and a long serving member of the W.R.U. General Committee. His ability to raise funds for the club from V.I.P'S whilst
roundly cursing them was legendary. His influence, continued even after
his death. His ashes were scattered on the pitch shortly before a match.
The late 50's saw the
amalgamation of the Machen Junior club (the Harlequins) with our own.
They were a very successful team and were most welcome as we had started
a few teams with fourteen men. These were the days committeemen and
'passing' players were pressed into service. Even an ex-league player
slipped in, one' Dai' Nutland, and Machen made the national papers.
The Old Reading Room,
which became the club's headquarters, were purchased from the Bedwas and
Machen Urban District Council for the princely sum of £1.00. It was
improved and extended and its opening was celebrated with a game against
an International XV.
Through the 70's and 80's
Machen usually enjoyed good seasons and several years were marked by
very good youth teams. In 1981 Machen was proud to reach the last 16 of
the Welsh Cup. Mighty Bridgend arrived, complete with several
international players. All hopes for a famous victory was not to be. After
credible resistance the 'Giants' won.
Professionalism has
arrived and the small village rugby club have a difficult time ahead.
Machen cannot pay players and relies on their loyalty and commitment to
keep the club and traditions alive. Machen remains a 'grass roots' club
that has produced many first class players. The next couple of years
should see some exciting developments. A sports lot grant has been
confirmed for a sports pavilion on the Welfare Ground. This will leave
the ground floor of the clubhouse for re-development
The aims of Machen RFC
are to continue the assault on the Division 7 east League and to attract
players at senior and youth level
By Tom Grocutt Former Secretary, Chairman and Captain
This was written
back in 1998, and the work to build a changing room on the pavilion and
the re-development to the club house ground floor is now complete. Machen
Now complete in Division 5 East after the change in the league step-up
with the introduction to provisional rugby. |
