The Piano Shifters
Back in October 1988 Aberavon played Western Samoa (as they were then known) at the Talbot Athletic Ground. I was mildly amused when presented with a list of ‘pen portraits’ of their squad to include in the match programme (yep, I was writing programme notes way back then) that prop Peter Fatialofa listed his occupation as ‘Piano Shifter’. It’s a term oft-used by TV commentators these days, but was a new one on me 38 years ago.
However, it is most definitely appropriate for me to follow up on Chris ‘Swank’ Davies’ piece in last weekend’s programme regarding one such durable character calling time on a distinguished playing career, so here goes.
I have to go back to 15th September 2018, a bright and sunny Saturday afternoon with Aberavon set to face Pontypridd, and I was loitering pre-match leaning on the railings exchanging pleasantries with whoever else was about there… and ‘whoever else’ happened to be Joe Gage, who pointed out a player I didn’t recognise and said, “That guy there is terrific – got all the skills and a good scrummager too,” or words to that effect. “That guy there” was, in fact, Geraint James, a new close-season signing by Aberavon.
Cut to the match itself, Aberavon defending inside their ‘22’ and another of that season’s new signings, a young flanker named Jac Morgan – you may have heard of him – executed a copybook turnover and the Wizards were suddenly attacking along the left-hand touchline. The ball passed through several pairs of hands before we were presented with the spectacle of Geraint showing some nifty footwork before delivering a perfectly-timed pass to Rheon James, who went striding away with all and sundry in a red & black shirt up in support. If I recall correctly the attack ended with Matthew Jenkins going over for a try on the way to a rare bonus-point win over Ponty.
Geraint has been pretty much an ever-present feature of the Aberavon front-row since that long-ago afternoon, continuing a great tradition of Aberavon “Piano Shifters” that goes back well over half a century. Here are the names of just a few – Phil Morgan, Len Cunningham (both a tad before my time in terms of when they played, but I knew both years later and their names and reputations nevertheless are memorable), bring things into my era as a supporter, there were John Richardson and Clive Williams (both internationals), Barrie Lewis (tragically lost to a car crash when he was at his peak as a player), Mike ‘Footy’ Harris, Lloyd Howell, Paul Breeze, Tony Edwards, right up to Rowan Jenkins and Jordan Walters.
Diolch yn fawr, Geraint. Your name belongs amongst all those listed above. It’s been a pleasure and a privilege to have watched you play with distinction for the Wizards.
A few words of thanks…
To my good friend and Aberavon RFC Webmaster Gareth Gange, who has lightened my load during a stressful time this season by taking on the lion’s share of online match reports.
To the amazing Stuart Evans of Sevans Design, who manages to turn an assortment of documents attached to an email into a professionally produced Match Programme, often at ridiculously tight deadlines (such as when we find out on a Monday that we have a home march three days later).
To all who show up at Aberavon matches and make supporting this old club of ours so enjoyable.