page revision date : 30th June 2010
Just champion – Neyland RFC
Neyland Rugby Club not only won the Division Five (West) Championship but played with a flair and sense of commitment that put them in such good stead that they only lost one league match in 22 outings. They could lay claim to being the top try-scoring team in any division in Wales, with an amazing 150 tries, and second to Senghenydd in scoring the most points (980) whilst only conceding 174 points to demonstrate that they could also defend well as attack from all parts of the pitch – real proof that the All Blacks have had a wonderful season.
Top scorers
They really knuckled down from the outset under the captaincy of Mathew Williams and finished up with 20 wins, one draw and one defeat from their 22 fixtures. Mathew also led in the try-scoring stakes alongside centre Adam Collins, who raced over for 31 tries in 22 matches whilst the skipper bagged 25 tries, three penalties and 10 conversions from 19 games. Mark Riley topped the points’ chart as he contributed 228 points with six tries, 14 penalties and 78 conversions.
Solid base
The club has a solid base with Richard Davies as a hard-working chairman and his wife Hazel as Hon Treasurer, with club stalwart John Laugharne as Hon Secretary and Martin Rees as his assistant. The president-elect is Robert Johns, who helps Dai Edwards and Brian Phelan in keeping the pitch in good order. Martin Davies works hard behind the scenes, whilst Peter Davies runs the junior section, with a lot of help from others.
Focussed from the start
Back on the playing front, the coach is Steve Evans, with Mathew Williams taking the decisions on field whilst the first-aid duties are undertaken by Martin and Peter Davies. Martin Rees as also served the club brilliantly as team manager and touch judge, and he told us,
“From the very start of pre-season training we decided that we had to really work hard if we were to fulfil our potential and Steve Evans and Mathew Williams led by example. The players got themselves fit and the end product was that we often won matches because we lasted the pace better than other clubs. Everyone has known their job and done it well, on and off the pitch.
All Blacks at heart
“We know it will be even harder next season but we know that we can do well if we can make the same commitment again. Apart from our Milford ‘imports’ of Adam Collins, Matthew Doncaster, Andrew Charnley and Jack Kinnersley we have local players who are All Blacks at heart and the young players coming through, like Calum Tree, will ensure we have a strong squad.”
“Continuity has certainly been one of the keys to success with Adam Collins, Delme Bateman, Andrew Slark, Robert Codd and Mark Smith being ever present, whilst Steve Hamer, Chris Busby, Mathew Doncaster, Mark Riley and Williams all were missing fewer than two matches. John Tennick, Chris Busby, Ben Lloyd and Steve Hamer have done so well and with players like Tony Smith-Howell ready to step in at any time we have had a great team spirit.”
Flown the flag with distinction
There have been no red cards and just a handful of yellow cards as the team has held its discipline well. They really have flown the Pembrokeshire Flag with distinction and if they can maintain their momentum for their new campaign in Division Four (West) – where they might well show a few sides that Neyland RFC are still a force to be reckoned with!
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