2026 Junior Finals Day - The Final Word
Ken Davies – Organiser, District H GMG Finals Day
Ken Davies has been in charge of the Junior Finals Day for a number of years and can remember its formative years where there were only under 14 and under 16 finals – so it is gratifying for him to see the occasion go from strength to strength – and on this occasion was delighted with the high quality of play in all five finals as a tribute to the hard work of dedicated coaches.
Kenny is a ‘what you see is what you get’ man so when he tells PembrokeshireSport.co.uk it has been a ‘cracking day’ it must have gone well.
As well as the high skill levels he thanked Pembroke RFC for their excellent hosting, Hannah Albery and others on the GMB for their help, plus the match officials, who willingly give of their time in reffing the games, or running the line.
As Kenny says in his programme notes, “We should be grateful for today’s officials because they do a difficult job well and without them there would be no rugby.”
He also mentioned some of the county’s top players set out at this level and he’s right – and I suspect some players we saw on the day will fit that category in years to com.
Ken likes to play down his part in the Finals’ Day but we have no doubt that he plays a pivotal role – but we thank him for all he does and long may he continue to give time away from his bee-keeping to keep it running so well!
Hannah Albery - so much work behind the scenes.
Ken Davies always refuses to take personal praise, just saying ‘it’s a role I enjoy’ so when he praises others it has to be hard-earned because he just likes to see people try their best.
But this year has been somewhat special because although he has said ‘thanks’ to others before, on this occasion his naming of Hannah Albery as a ‘top worker’ has indeed been fulsome!
She has been a great help as an admin link to all the clubs involved and taken the pressure of Ken in the areas he likes least because he readily admits to being someone who enjoys the practical stuff but is delighted that someone as hard-working as Hannah is now helping with those aspects that are a bit of a chore.
Hannah’s home club is Haverfordwest and she has been team manager since her son Lucas, who plays as a hooker, started out with the nippers at and she has been involved ever since
He now finishes his time in this age group so it is to be hoped Hannah can be persuaded to continue her role alongside Mr Davies, because she would be sadly missed otherwise!
Pembroke RFC – lots of work ensures a Finals Day to remember
Pembroke RFC undertook the role of host club for Junior Finals Day for the third time and again provided the perfect venue for the big day, although, sadly, none of their teams qualified to play,
Darrell Willington had organised their first hosting some eleven years earlier and was involved six years later when they repeated the process, and on this occasion showed there is still ‘life in the old dog’ as he did a good job as announcer all day!
Crickmarren is ideally suited to play host because they have a large clubhouse, where Jonathan Davies and his staff can be relied upon to be good hosts for parents, ample changing facilities for the children playing, a spacious marquee where tasty food, tea and coffee was on sale by club volunteers, a spacious grandstand and a pitch in tip-top condition, plus plenty of extra parking, thanks to neighbours Pembroke CC, just opposite at Treleet.
When they were invited to take on the role by the management committee of the GMB, which was as usual led by the ‘old warhorse’, Ken Davies and Hannah Albery, who does a great admin role in the background,, they were pleased to be chosen, with Nick Logan, the chair of the club’s junior section, was helped by Jaydie Davies, Joel Crockford, Ross McNally, Phil Harries, Simon Coleman, Dai Beynon, Lewis Davies, Robin & Carys Badham, Pat Russell, Gary Nevinson and others to take on the range of roles needed on the day.
It must have been gratifying for them to be thanked by all the clubs from as far afield as Aberaeron, Fishguard & Goodwick, Tenby United, Neyland and Crymych for such a warm welcome.
SO, WELL DONE THE SCARLETS - AND HERE’S TO THE NEXT TIME YOU GET THE INVITATION!
