Rugby News . . . from PembrokeshireSport.co.uk

KO Cup Final Snippets

** Congratulations to Aberaeron on their excellent first-ever hosting of the Pembrokeshire Knock Out Cup  - they could not have done more to make it a success. The pitch was superb, the setting on a sunny evening was memorable and the welcome was warm indeed. There were those who felt that it was too far away from the hub of local rugby but they are part of District H and were clearly delighted to be involved.

There was a good crowd at the game, consisting mainly of supporters from Crymych and Aberystwyth, and Hon Treasurer Brian Stephens must have been pleased by the gate receipts.

 

** It proved quite an occasion for Gordon Eynon, the chairman of the Pembrokeshire & District Rugby Union. Gordon doubles up as Hon Sec  at Crymych and so it was a great thrill for him to present the winners’ trophies to his own players!

Alan Jones is the President and he hails from Aberystwyth – and it was his job to present the mementoes to his own players – not quite such a joyful occasion for another very good servant of District H Rugby.

 

** The match was sponsored for the first time by South Hook LNG, who are providing so much support for sport around the county. Well done South Hook LNG!

 

** The trophies and the match ball were again supplied by Huw Hughes, of H.N.O. Associates from Penarth, who deal in Sports Holidays and Activity Holidays. Huw was in attendance with his parents and all three had a rattling good time. Dad Dennis was once a police officer in Narberth and enjoyed a walk down memory lane with some others in attendance!

 

** JR ‘Johnny’ Jones presented the trophy on behalf of the Pembrokeshire and District Rugby Union and congratulated players and officials. He thanked everyone involved on what is his last KO Final as District H representative on the Welsh Rugby Union – and it is he who deserves thanks after 18 years in a key role. Johnny has done a brilliant job and his shoes are certainly big ones to fill – well done JR!

 

** The refereeing team of Wayne Jones, Colin Phillips and Jason Ludgate also did a good job of controlling such an important game. Wayne spoke to both captains prior to the match and made it clear he would not tolerate players trying to slow down the opposition’s ball – or put up with any ‘back chat’ – and he was a man of his word!

 

** It was very much a family affair because some of the Crymych team have dads who were involved at the club. Rhys Thomas was supported by dad Brian and grandad John whilst Rhodri Davies has Robin as his father, a man who served the club brilliantly as player and coach before moving to coach at Whitland. Dyfan Dafydd’s father Rhys Davies also played, as did Griff Howells’ dad Eifion.

 

** Another measure of the spirit in the Crymych camp came from the fact that they insisted on having their post-match pics near the clubhouse because veteran player Gareth Davies was injured and couldn't climb down the steps to the pitch - and they were determined he had to be in them. What a nice touch.

 

 

** A measure of the conveyor belt of talent at Crymych can be gauged from the fact that they have a brilliant junior section and under 18 team won the Griffiths Cup this season. When the game finished the Preseli men actually had five players on the pitch in Dyfan Dafydd, Rhodri Davies, Ianto Griffiths, Tom Powell and Griffiths Howells who are still eligible for youth team rugby, which is amazing!

 

** There are some natural entertainers in the Crymych squad because hooker Trystan Griffiths is likely to secure a career in the world of singing with his superb tenor voice which takes him off to college soon – and second row Cennydd James is something of an impersonator, especially of cartoon characters like Scooby Doo, although he’s not likely to make a few bob out of it!

 

** And finally, it is nice to go to Aberaeron just to see characters like Glyndwr Evans and his namesake Parry, who do so much work at the club. They had a hardy band of helpers for this final – and I know that both were very pleased at the way it went.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PHOTOS: Above, top to bottom.

The Aberaeron pitch and surrounds.

Gareth Davies - still part of the squad.

JR 'Johnny Jones' prior to the match.