St Davids RFC - a team of genuine characters and 'if only' players

To pick a team over the last two decades at St Davids we could find no better choice than Fraser Watson, the first-rate sports reporter at the Western Telegraph who, apart from stints at Llanelli (as a youngster) and Whitland, has been a Saint from his teenage years and still plays as often as his tight schedule (and even tighter hamstrings) allows!

Fraser has never been known to shirk a challenge and his opinions include several comments that might not seem too complimentary but they are honest assessments about fitness or commitment which some of the players tell me are totally justified!

He also points out the number of players, who (like him) left the club to try their luck at a higher level!

A back five that would have been good together

“At full back I would go for Rhys Morgan because he is rock solid in defence, as befits a former rugby league player, and is also a useful acquisition in attack because he uses his upper-body strength to score tries from close range.

“On the wings I would have to pick Andrew Lamb and Darren Salmon because they were both excellent try scorers. Andrew was a far better player than he was given credit for and could double up as a good No 15 because he hit the line well – but could finish off moves if given a half chance.

“Darren was a great try scorer, especially from long range, and a natural finisher.

“Both my centre choices moved on from St Davids, with Sion Morgan joining Haverfordwest and Scott James playing for a number of clubs, including Tenby. Sion was a strong runner, with an ability to break the line, whilst being solid in defence. Scott had power and good skill levels and played off the cuff.

Good communicators at half back!

“At outside half Carl Broaders was a very good communicator and was a more than useful kicker from defence and attack. I didn’t play many games with him but when I did he helped has he enjoyed calling the shots and was a natural organiser.”

*We insisted on naming Fraser as the top scrum half in that time for The Saints it is good to record that after his stint with Whitland he was determined to finish off his days at St Davids, playing in the centre and on the wing to help out but also in his main position as scrum half.

At No 9 he was adept at pushing his pack forward and also calling his backs into action – but was perhaps best known for his ability to take tapped penalties which often resulted in tries.

‘Big Jack’ leads the front row . . .

“In the front row the obvious choice was Jack Dudley, a giant of a man in more than one way and a great club servant still today. He’s played for over 30 years and in his prime was the player that opponents loved to hate – and throughout his career gave total commitment and suffered a lot of bruises.

“Noel Lyons always had a ‘no-nonsense’ attitude and just got on with his role at hooker but in 15 years I never one saw him let the team down, and was rock solid in defence.

“Richard ‘Tank’ James was technically a very strong scrummager and served us well, and had he been fitter could have gone a lot further.

. . . And ‘Big Mogs’ joins coach Gethin behind them!

“In the second row, current coach Gethin Bateman still remains as the best lineout forward I have played with at St Davids and has carried injuries through this season to make sure the team plays every match whilst Chris Morgan would be my other choice.

“’Mogs’ was similar to ‘Tank’ in the sense that he had such natural ball skills and a great ball carrier. Again, fitness levels held him back but he did a real job for me the season I was captain.

‘Ianto’ is outstanding as a No 8

“Rhys Owen Price represented the county last month and it was deserved. He gives 100% commitment and has an excellent work rate as a flanker who can also play hooker. Joining him would be Irishman Eddie Bolger, he wasn’t one for the flash stuff but was always everywhere in attack and defence.

“Anthony ‘Ianto’ Davies has been the best No 8 we’ve had these last 20 years and has never taken a backward step in any game. ‘Ianto’ is still showing that commitment today after stepping down from coaching duties – and still never shirks a carry or a tackle.

Bench players – and a mention for real club ‘Legends’

“On the bench I would have Phil Lamb as a great club servant who could play all positions in the back division, whilst Bryan Phillips was a very good three-quarter who never played as regularly as we wanted him to. Dan Colfer was a very underrated prop and as a youngster Steven Morris was another up front who had ability to play front or back row, but sadly didn’t play for long enough.

“I only played with Carwyn Richards at the very the end of his career but he was still all over the field then.

“’Caz’ was one of a group of players that made a big impact at St Davids  in conjunction with other club greats like Nigel ‘Gus’ Cartwright, Dai Bennett and the indomitable Martin Walsh, who were all county-class players – and they were just three of many I would have liked to have played alongside.”


 

Coaches:

“Barry John and Fintan Godkin took over around 2006/07 and started an upturn in fortunes for the club. They brought a fresh, more methodical approach to training and it paid off and for the first time in a while there was real competition for places.

“Jack Dudley had a very successful season as coach and the likes of Matthew ‘Taff’ Williams and Ianto did great jobs in difficult circumstances. And the Barry/Fintan combination definitely took the club up a notch.”





 

 Team manager:

 “I can’t look beyond John James. Tremendously loyal individual and nothing was too much of an ask for him. Still there to watch week in, week out now. Thanks John!”