THURROCK play their final pre- season game on Saturday when they take a trip to one of the world's most iconic venues, Abertillery Park.
One of Wales's most famous teams once boasted three British Lions.
Flanker Haydn Morgan was renowned for being one of the greatest open-sides to play for Wales; Allan Lewis was the first spin- passer in the Northern hemisphere and partnered the legendary, Barry John for his first cap and Alun Pask was the Welsh captain who holds the record for playing more consecutive games for the British and Irish Lions than anybody else (22): a record that will never be beaten!
With the disastrous restructuring of Welsh rugby and the advent of professional, Abertillery have had to fight their way back to prominence, but under the guidance of Matthew Penny and Nick Meredith they are upwardly mobile.
Last season not only did they gain promotion, but won their Welsh Cup at the Principality stadium in a thrilling final.
Thurrock will play their first game in Wales since the eighties when they enjoyed some fine performances against the former Welsh champions, Newbridge.
Abertillery Park was the venue for many memorable faces against the All Blacks, South Africa, Japan, an 11-11 draw against Fiji and two incredible victories against Australia!
So, what an inspiration for Thurrock to play on such hallowed turf.
While it was thought that former Thurrock captain, Ralph Henderson was the only player to represent both clubs, research by Jon Langley has discovered that the sons of former Abertillery captain, Jim O'Neil moved to Grays and that Tom O' Neil was a brilliant fly-half for both clubs in the 1930s!
Last week Thurrock had a hard- fought victory over Old Reigatians, thus avenging last season's cup defeat.
Under the leadership of Ben Timson and Niall Clifford, this was an encouraging performance with some great defence and growing confidence.
The Oakfielders under the guidance of director or rugby Martin Jones will be looking to build on this platform on the trip to Wales, in readiness for next week's League opener away to Holt.
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