Rugby News . . . from PembrokeshireSport.co.uk

Jamie’s just the job for the Blues

Haverfordwest Rugby Football Club has soared to the top of the table in the National League Division Three (West) and there is no doubt that one of their finds of the season has been Jamie Lewis, whose try-scoring exploits have earned him a regular place on the right wing.

At the start of the campaign he was playing for the Second XV but agreed to travel to Gorseinon as a replacement and came on in the second half, where he scored a corner try – and Jamie has started every match since then as the Blues maintained top spot in the table.

Jamie is perhaps best known for his strong tackling but he has scored well over an average of a try per match since that first game.

Undoubted highlights

The undoubted highlight came when the Blues entertained second-placed Llandeilo in a top of the table clash at Merlins Bridge and he grabbed a hat-trick of tries. He opened their account in the opening two minutes when quick hands put him in at the corner and added a second only four minutes later as his opposing winger tried to chip the ball over Jamie’s head on half way but Jamie not only pouched the ball neatly but brushed off two would-be tacklers on a 50-metre surge to the line. A third try came in the second half and Jamie was delighted to be given the ‘Man of the Match’ award.

He also gained the same accolade against Tenby, when he scored two tries and if you ask Jamie about the rest of the season he would say that he would like to score a few more tries and seal his place in the team, because he is Haverfordwest born and bred.

Horizons widened

But he is going to widen his horizons when this season is over because he is off to New Zealand with Haverfordwest team mates David O’Leary and Liam Brown as part of the exchange visits that saw Jarred Bayliss and Sam Van Der Valk play for the Blues. They have returned to New Zealand now and the Lewis, O’Leary/Brown trio will be joining them in the Waikato Region of North Island.

            “I am really looking forward to our trip,” said Jamie, “and it can only help with our rugby. Sam and Jarred have been great for our club and we hope we can enjoy playing in their home region,”

Swimming coach – but no cricketer!

Outside of his rugby, Jamie works at the Meads Leisure Centre, Milford Haven, as a lifeguard and swimming instructor. He takes swimming classes every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, from the ‘Ducklings’ classes for three year olds to Stage Six young swimmers – and enjoys being part of the Meads’ team run by Sian Fair. Jamie also played cricket last season for Johnston but laughingly says he is no cricketer!

Junior rugby galore

Jamie has been involved with rugby at Haverfordwest since he was eight years old; starting out in tag rugby under the watchful eye of Jeff Thomas, and in the intervening 12 years has continued to enjoy being part of the set-up there. At under 11 level he played full back in a team coached by Andy Grey, and also made the county team, before playing centre or outside half for the under 16s alongside players of the calibre of Ollie Reyland, Matthew and Adam Clarke, whilst at the same time playing for the Tasker Milward School team coached by Andrew Barlow his team mates included Liam Brown and David O’Leary.

Youth double success

When he moved on to youth rugby David was part of the Blues’ team which won the Pembrokeshire Youth Cup with good players like David O’Leary, Liam Easton, Morgan Scale being joined by younger players like Luke Harvatt, Wilson Curtis, Danny Morgan and Ashley Sutton – and the completed the double by also winning the youth league trophy.

Crymych had been their traditional rivals throughout and they lost 5-3 in Crymych on the opening day of the season but the Blues’ Youth played well thereafter and sealed the silverware by beating Crymych 22-21 late in the campaign, with Jamie grabbing two of their tries. In the Youth Cup Final they took on their counterparts from Narberth, who had earlier caused a surprise by knocking out Crymych – but they were no match for the Blues, who won by over 20 points and with Jamie again getting on the try sheet!

Encouragement from ‘Dolly’ and Shay – and his family

Then it was on to second team rugby, where he was given every encouragement by Graham Dalton and Shay Buckley. He scored four tries in one match against Newcastle Emlyn, and it was ‘Dolly’ and Shay who then recommended Jamie to first team coach Johnny Llewhelin. Jamie had already made his first team debut whilst still in youth rugby but says that he is more confident, now that he has reached the ripe old age of 20 – and has really enjoyed being part of the club’s senior squad.

His dad Neil watches most of Jamie’s matches and the family connection is continued because his uncle, Martin Thomas, was a regular over many years for Llangwm. Jamie’s mum Jenny has always provided total support and he is delighted that in March she marries well-known Johnston footballer Glyn Ruloff – and he wishes them warm-hearted congratulations and every happiness.

And finally . . .

He is also eagerly anticipating his trip to New Zealand but before that he is looking forward to playing for Haverfordwest, making his big hits and trying to enhance his reputation by scoring more tries. If hard work and commitment are anything to go by then he will do well both here and in the Southern Hemisphere – and PembrokeshireSport.co.uk wishes this unassuming and likeable young man continued success with the Blues and in the Land of the Long White Cloud!

PHOTOS

Jamie Lewis at work as a Lifeguard.

Jamie in action for Haverfordwest this season - all four pics by Matthew Kelly of RawPhotography.me.uk.