John Evans – a man born to administrate sport well
There is no doubt that John Evans could be considered an ‘unsung hero’ because he has served Fishguard Sports really well for almost half a century and in the last decade and a half has been equally busy as a player and administrator at Fishguard and Goodwick Bowls Club.
He is currently vice-chairman of the latter and doubles up as assistant treasurer – and there is a strong rumour that he could be vice-captain to Tony Evans next season with special responsibility for games against the wide range of touring sides who flock to play at their Goodwick-based green.
Bowls start with old mates
John decided to take up bowls in 1993 after retiring from work a year earlier, joining Dai Price and the late Bertram Evans in being coached early on by Kenny Barnett and Mike Powell. They had a rattling good time and were soon unleashed on their own as John realised that he should have taken up this new sport years earlier because there are some great characters playing at the club – and a host of former football friends, like Harry Hanger, the former Monkton Swifts goalkeeper, playing for other clubs.
He has been actively involved ever since, apart from 1997, when he was recovering from two hip replacement operations, and 2003, when he had a hip infection which kept him off the green. These set-backs mean that he had to change his stance when he delivers his woods but he has adapted well and won a couple of club competitions, as well as helping Fishguard and Goodwick to promotion last season so that they will play in the first division next campaign.
Rosslare a real highlight
As well as the competitive league matches, which can take up to three hours and where he plays regularly in a rink alongside Dai Price, Bernard Williams and skip ‘Davo’ Hughes, the club are good hosts to a number of touring clubs – and play Rosslare annually on a home and way basis. This has become one of the highlights of the season over the last four years and it is an interesting fact that Fishguard and Goodwick are nearer to Rosslare, in terms of mileage, than any other Irish bowls club!
The teams play annually for a trophy sponsored by Ken Grace, Tony Evans and John Evans, and it is interesting for John & Co to play on the artificial green in Rosslare.
Other days to remember are Captain’s Day, Lady Captain’s day and Northern Day – which Jeff Shaw started and involves playing on a crown green format.
The club has its own clubhouse and have just negotiated a 99-year lease which means that they can seek to develop their facilities with the aid of grants, should they wish to do so.
Following in dad Bill’s footsteps
Back on the football front, John has been equally involved with Fishguard Sports, where his father Bill was a great man before him. John the role of assistant secretary exactly 50 years ago and moved to the secretary’s job in 1962, where he stayed until 1997 before handing over to the very capable Owen Duggan. He had a short breather but was then asked back as chairman, a role he still occupies today as he supports the Sports.
Sports three great teams
During his time with the Sports he saw three great teams develop and many top players like Ken Harries, Eddie Merry, Keith Gardham, RV Jones, Sion Thomas, goalkeepers Tal Harries, Geraint Phillips and John Foster, the Watts boys, Bernie and Phil Armstrong and John Luke, who was a great player, captain and manager – and is still ever-ready to help out today whenever there is work to be done. The club won any number of league championships and made loads of Senior Cup Final appearances – and reached four West Wales Cup Finals during his stint at the club. They won the West Wales Cup by beating Hafod Brotherhood 4-1, with a Ken Harries’ hat-trick and a goal by Andrew Davies, losing to Port Tennant Colts, North End and Clydach Sports. The Sports are not as strong now but John still enjoys being involved and reckons that one day they will return to former glories, but have to be patient.
Busy all year round
When the football finishes it will be back to bowls again and another busy stint at a club known for its family atmosphere. John took his first administrator’s job in 2000 when he took over from Ken Grace as Hon Secretary, a job which Ken had done with distinction for two decades, and John retained office for four years, as well as being chairman for a year when Tom Jones had to step down for a short while. He is still vice-chairman and helps the treasurer look after the purse strings and looks forward to every game with relish.
