- Abertillery-Blaenau Gwent RFC Discussion Forum -

Blind Pew · Joined: 17 Mar 2006 Posts: 9

Have the Club organised a “Celebratory Tour” in order to commemorate the end of an excellent season?

I have a suggestion and a challenge for all you staunch Aber. Supporters.

How about following in the footsteps of the "famous" team of 1931, and re-enact the Tour which they undertook in the February of that year.

On Saturday 14th February 1931 Aber played Cardiff on The Park, immediately after the game the Tour party set off by rail to visit what was to become a “hotbed” of World Rugby. The method of transport particularly relevant following the recent re-opening of the Western Valley line.

On their return they played Bridgend.

Does anyone out there know where they were headed?

What two teams were played on the Tour?

If you can come up with the answers, there may be a pint in it for you!!

If you happen to know the answer, I may have told you in a drunken moment, keep it under your hat until we have exercised a few brain cells.

Answers next weekend if we have had sufficient guesses.

See you down The Park tomorrow.

Come on Aber!!

Shocked

leigh · Joined: 20 Mar 2006 Posts: 15

that,s a taxing question from blind pew but i do know the answer to that when the answer has been revealed maybe the itinerary can be put on the web site

Blind Pew · Joined: 17 Mar 2006 Posts: 9

I am disappointed that at least one of the regular contributors has not had a stab at guessing the venue and teams played.

I can assure you that you will be surprised at the answer, and the Itinerary undertaken, perhaps it’s the memory that cannot quite recall 1931?? I know for a fact that one or two of you were around in the early 30’s albeit slightly too young to have participated in the tour.

I am pretty certain that our Yorkshire missionary has the correct answer, we must have someone to get there before him, even if it is just to prevent the smug grin when I buy him a pint when I next visit The Grove in Leeds.

admin · Site Admin Joined: 10 Mar 2006 Posts: 85

France - not certain which teams they played?

Blind Pew · Joined: 17 Mar 2006 Posts: 9

I thought I could tickle the historical juices of at least the Administrator!!

France, spot on, hell of a big country.

1931, Depression, a few years after the General Strike, most of the Aber. players would have been working in the mines, and working a shift before a Saturday game.

This Tour, started and finished on consecutive Saturdays.

How was a week off work for at least 20 working blokes funded in 1931? The cost of the Tour must have been incredibly expensive, and the decision taken to travel during mid-winter.

Anyone fancy being a little more specific then France??

I will provide, in due course the full Itinerary, details of a conversation I had with Alf Brickell shortly before he passed away, and with help of The Sec I may post a few photographs which I have of the games and the players.

How’s that for an incentive.

Get your thinking caps on.