page revision date: 18th September2008

Bluebirds’ legends return to Bridge Meadow

There was a Welsh Challenge Cup full of nostalgia at the Bridge Meadow Stadium during the recent home match against Caersws when five members of the 1961 team which won that coveted trophy for the Bluebirds were invited back to watch the game.
The quintet of George Brain, Allan Lovell, Ronnie Davies, Cliff Pawlett and Mostyn Rowlands might have lost a yard or two of pace but showed they still have that tough mental streak as they braved the awful weather conditions and took a half-time bow in front of an appreciative crowd.
Cliff still lives in Haverfordwest and Mostyn is nearby at Clarbeston Road but the other three travelled down from Swansea and Llanelli for their first-ever visit to the new stadium and were amazed by the top quality of the playing surface after torrential rain.
Wicked Twinkle
As George Brain said, with a wicked twinkle in his eye,“We would have
been playing water polo at the old Bridge Meadow after rain like this!”
George, who lives at Treboeth, was a big strong centre half who joined the Bluebirds in 1959 at the age of 22, and remembers playing alongside great players like Ray Davies and Mel Charles. He had a deceptive skill for a big man and went to South Africa to try his luck but returned to play in this country. Now 71, he looks as fit as a flea and clearly enjoyed his nostalgic night.

‘Shakers’ ran all day and Lovell oozed class

Ronnie Davies is two years older and is still known as ‘Shakers’, as he was in his playing days where he ran all afternoon from his position at half back (that’s midfield now for you youngsters!). It is said of Ronnie that he covered every blades of grass but he laughingly denies that because he says he never encroached anywhere near his own six yard box!
Alan Lovell is 68 and has recovered well from a stroke, able to recall his days when he was rightly regarded as one of the classiest inside lefts (that’s left midfield now) to have played for the Bluebirds. Alan was a play maker who let the ball do the work and he had spells with Stockport County and Mansfield Town.

Local lads looked good

Mostyn Rowlands was a gritty full back but he played in virtually every position, other than goalkeeper, after joining Haverfordwest County at 16 and playing until his mid 30s, and locals can still remember his tough tackling, work rate and good ball distribution skills.
Cliff Pawlett was a local hero who dazzled with his skilful play on the left wing, someone who scored his share of goals but was also very adept at creating chances for others to find the net. He made his debut against Seven Sisters as a 16 year old and enjoyed a long and illustrious career where he also played for Portsmouth and Bristol City.

Welsh Challenge Cup memories

All five would nominate Arthur Willis as the best manager they played under and he was the boss in 1961, as well as playing right back. The team battled through to the final against Llanelli and after it was decided that the opposition would have home advantage at Stebonheath Park there was another blow on the Tuesday before the game when Mr Willis went down with a stomach ulcer.
It was a tough clash where there were no goals after 90 minutes but Alan Lovell broke the deadlock in the first half of extra time with a well-taken goal, followed by a second scored by Len Rowden. But if the hardy band of Haverfordwest fans thought they were home and dry they had to endure a nervous last ten minutes after keeper Roy Taylor fumbled in his area and John L Evans, who later went on the play for the Bluebirds, tapped home a simple goal for Llanelli.
Haverfordwest County stayed calm, however, and they were able to pouch the coveted Welsh Challenge Cup – and 47 years on the famous five from that team received a framed photo as a memento and were able to celebrate success again with a smashing visit to the new Bridge Meadow Stadium.