Micky's Pembrokeshire
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Callum shows real all-round promise
Callum John is a talented young all-round sportsman but it is in rugby that he had originally made a name for himself as the scrum half with the Pembrokeshire under 11s rugby team which won the plate competition of the D C Thomas Cup.
It is the competition for players of that age group and Calum played in every match, as well as being a regular with Narberth Under 11s – and he also received his West Wales Cap after being selected to play against their counterparts from East Wales.
Cricket and football involvement
Callum also plays cricket and football, the summer sport also at Narberth and the latter with Paul Jones at Camrose. His cricket coach is Andrew Williams, who is working on Callum’s batting to go with his useful bowling, which has earned him a county trial in the past. An indication of his progress is the fact that he received an award for bowling in the club’s junior presentation.
In football he enjoys playing in midfield or defence because he loves tackling and distributing the ball – and his performances last season earned him a twelve-week stint with the Cardiff Academy. He attended Spittal School, where head teacher Arthur Kendrick, gave him every encouragement to enjoy sport, and now that he is in Sir Thomas Picton School he has continued his sporting involvement by running in the cross-country team – and captaining the year seven pupils in their first-ever match.
Family involvement
That Callum should be so heavily involved comes as no surprise because his father Adam was a very good swimmer in his younger days and still plays as flanker or hooker with Narberth Athletic, where he also helps with the coaching. Mum Claire is also eager to see Callum do well and his younger brother Bradley (10) is also going to be a useful rugby player because he has a good pair of hands and plenty of pace.
Callum started playing rugby in the family garden and set out in Haverfordwest before moving to Narberth, where he switched from outside half to scrum half because he has a cracking torpedo-spin pass with either hand, is strong in the tackle and has a nose for the gap.
D C Thomas Cup – disappointment and delight
Callum and his pals in the Pembrokeshire under 11s, where Kenny Davies ran the show and was ably assisted by Jonathan Jones (Fishguard), Tomos Jones (Crymych) and dad Adam, started off their campaign by bowing out of the main competition – without playing a game!
They were scheduled to play The Vale at Penarth during the bad weather but after a mix-up involving the dates they found themselves forced out of the competition but in the draw for the plate competition, which is still a tough event and where Pembrokeshire last appeared as long ago as 1982.
They first took on North East Wales at Narberth and won 47-0, followed by another comfortable home win over Cynon Valley, where they conceded an early try but eventually won 24-5. The semi final saw them travel to play Carmarthen and a superb 37-0 win put them into the final against a strong Rhymney Schools’ team but Pembrokeshire played really well to scoop the silverware to the evident delight of Callum and his chums as they won 12-10 on Dunvant’s pitch!
Sadly, there is no county team at under 12 level but Adam is enjoying his playing with Narberth Under 12s and aiming to be selected at county level again when he becomes an under 13 player!
Kenny has the final word
Ask a knowledgeable rugby coach like Kenny Davies and he would say that Callum already has talents that will serve him well through to senior rugby but, as a nipper of eleven, he still has plenty to do.
“Callum has a beautiful spin pass,” said Kenny, “and already looks a useful No 9 – and as long as he works hard, listens to his coaches and maintains his current development then he should do well in the future.”
It is high praise from someone who knows the oval ball game inside out – and we could pay Callum John no higher tribute than that as we at PembrokeshireSport.co.uk wish this likeable young sportsman every success in the future!
PHOTOS:
Callum John.
Callum with dad Adam and brother Bradley.
Callum kicks clear (desite a bloody nose).
Callum gets his backs in motion.
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