Mark Wonnacott is the current coach with Milford Haven Rugby Club and he is still playing a key role in the Mariners' back row after just over 30 years of involvement at The Observatory Field.
 
They are currently in third place in Division Three A (West) and still very much in contention after a good season under Mark's coaching ideas, and he has really caught the eye with his play at No 8, where he uses the experience gained over such a long time since he started out as an eager seven year old.
 

Following in family footsteps

 
And he is very much continuing in the family tradition because his grandfather Ken was involved with the club for over 50 years after being introduced to the club by his brother Brian, a former captain - and with a number of years as president in recognition of his services. Mark’s nan Gwen has also been a great supporter and has many years of scrap books of Mark's play.
 
Mark's father Kenny was another club stalwart and superb back row player whilst his uncle Ralph played as a tough as teak prop for many years - and Mark is lucky that he has amazing support from his wife Kim, plus young daughters Eleri and Carys, who follow him everywhere in games.
 

Early start with character coaches

 
So it is small wonder that Mark should start out as a seven year old at The Obs and he played for the under 9s team that was coached by Flimpo Jones, Dai Griffiths and Steve Trueman.
 
"I was a big lump and wasn't very good but they persevered with me and by the time I was in secondary school I was not only established in the Milford team but played for the county right through school and in the youth team as well.
 
"I played for Milford Youth as a flanker alongside the likes of Gareth 'Savage' Phillips, Barry Griffiths, Jonathan Madden, Paul and Scott Evans, Kevin Rogers and Blair Evans, but then switched to No 8 when I got a bit older, and slower!
 
"We weren't a bad team and did quite well but Tenby were always the top side throughout my time in youth rugby.
 

Representative rugby

 
"I also played for Pembrokeshire at under 20s level alongside the likes of Adrian Chiffi and Ollie Brace, of Tenby, but we lost in the Welsh Final against a strong Swansea side – and when I played for West Wales I joined Ben Lloyd (Neyland) and we were often taken to training by our coach, Ian Ace.
 
"It was also great to be chosen to represent South West Wales in the inter-regional competition against the East, North and South, which formed the trials for playing for Wales but I somehow popped my sternum in the first match and was out of action for a while - and missed any chance of Welsh selection!"
 

First team debut at a young age

 
Mark made his first-team debut when he was still in youth rugby, selected at a time when The Mariners were not at their peak and lost one league match to North Wales just before that by 118-0.
"It was hard going," admitted Mark, "because there weren't enough older players to look after us youngsters. I made my debut against Crymych and the late Brian Williams was playing against us and causing us all sorts of problems."
 
But Mark lasted the course and has been playing for the first team for over 20 years - and is the only one left from that era.
"I always remember thinking that some of the old-timers went on a bit about how it was better in their era and I suspect that happens today as talented young players like Sam Dolling, Dan Jenkins, Dan McClelland, Luke Ryan, Ben Groves, Ryan Mansell and Efan Morgan are doing the same thing when I bang on about how good things were in my best playing days!"
 

Highlights sometimes followed by disappointments

 
Ask Mark about highlights and he would nominate a couple of promotions, the last with Amman United and Llanelli Wanderers a few seasons ago, but goes on to say that sadly The Mariners lost players at key times and were unable to consolidate as he would like.
 
"We also had a great KO Cup Final against Crymych at Whitland where I was captain, and although we eventually lost we pushed them all the way and had a wonderful day out with our supporters.
 
Players of the calibre of Aidan Laxton, Gareth Fawcett and Jim Farr featured around that time, and since then we have lost them and Dewi Williams whilst Leigh Broome has to work away after taking on this season's captaincy, with Jamie Parr stepping in well.
"Others whose play I liked playing alongside included Adam Collins (still a star at Neyland), Gareth 'Nuts' Phillips, Dean Aldred, and Julian Walker.”
 
But Mark has been one of the constants at The Obs and played really well last season as Milford ultimately finished runners-up to Fishguard, after beating them at home.
 

Taking up coaching – and always having a game plan

 
He took on the role of coach when Emori Katalau left and he was called in by the committee to be offered the role.
"I made it clear that I wanted to continue playing and so I was provided with help from Alan McClelland in the coaching, and with James Hall helping out as team manager.
 
"I always aim to have a game plan and when we took on Fishguard we knew they loved to run the ball so we played them on our smaller bottom pitch, and narrowed the playing area when Mackie, Graham Bevans and I marked the pitch on the Saturday morning.
 
"It worked a treat and that win was a great boost but we had to settle for second spot after a midweek defeat in Aberaeron when we were forced to travel with a depleted side.
"I wasn't convinced that we had the strength in depth to play in Division Two (West) and if I'm honest I think next season will see us ready to look for the silverware and promotion!"
 

Learned from the best

 
"I aim to qualify as a coach as soon as possible but in the meanwhile I use some of the tricks of the trade I learned from the likes of Bruce Evans, Phil Stoddart, Dean Hadley, Phil Aldred, Larry Spillane and the late Brian Rees, all real characters, as are current players who have been a great help like Craig 'Yoda' Thomas, Dai Sweeny, Lee Riley and James Passmore."
 
In the meanwhile he is happy to carry on coaching and as for playing, Mark Wonnacott is 36 years of age and enjoying his role as No 8 and serving Milford Haven Rugby Club on, as well as off, the field.
 

And finally . . .

 
As club hon secretary Simon Evans said,
"We are very lucky to have Mark Wonnacott as our player/coach because he is held in huge respect by players, committee and supporters at The Obs.
 
"His work is terrific and is a real example to the talented youngsters we have coming through so we want him involved for as long as he is able, as a credit to Milford Haven Rugby Club."
 
We can only echo Simon's sentiments and we wish Mark Wonnacott many more years of following the family's proud traditions!