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Over the years Neath's greatest rivals have
been near neighbours Aberavon. The steelworks in Port Talbot was at one
time the largest in Europe employing 27,000. My Dad was one of these
hard working souls so my parents, who both hail from Neath moved to Port
Talbot about three years before I was born. Although they lived in Port
Talbot the nearest hospital with a maternity unit was in Neath so
thankfully I was born in Neath. But grew up in the Sandfields and Baglan
areas of Port Talbot. As a youngster I felt the need to support Neath
rather than Aberavon, my roots were firmly laid in this town of ours. At
the time (1970s) Neath played Aberavon 4 times a season, Boxing Day and
Easter Monday were the traditional fixtures with two other matches,
normally merit table fixtures making up the compliment of 4. Neath
failed to beat Aberavon in 24 matches in a row and I saw everyone of
those games. Most of my mates were Aberavon supporters so it was an
absolute nightmare. Thankfully times have changed, my one regret is
missing the match in the 1990s where Neath scored 96 points against their old rivals.
In 1921 Aberavon opened the 'Central Athletic Ground' later to become
the 'Talbot Athletic Ground', still the home of Aberavon. Interestingly
at the time they were known as Port Talbot (Aberavon) Rugby Football
Club. Local rivals Neath were invited to play Aberavon in a match to
open the ground and stand. The ground was purchased at a cost of
£10,000, three-quarters of this loaned by club president SH Byass, the
rest by other members. The programme contains a potted history of the
club and an appeal for more cash ! (WRM-0484)
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