The rugby fraternity has been rocked to learn that former Haverfordwest and Pembrokeshire back row forward Keith Fleming has died peacefully at the age of 72 in Withybush Hospital on Friday, May 23^rd, writes Gordon Thomas.
 
Fleming’s nickname was Ned – and it’s fair to say he played a massive part for Haverfordwest RFC during their successful golden era in the club’s history.
 
Fleming was a rare breed – he played hard – worked hard - and it’s fair to say he partied hard back in the day. He was a tremendous character who was a born leader on and off the rugby pitch - he loved the craic with a few (too many) beers – and during his long playing career with The Blues they were a joy to watch.
 
His first involvement playing rugby was back when he  was a pupil at Haverfordwest County Secondary School where he was encouraged to play by the influential late PE teacher Gordon Rayner – back in those days Fleming played in the centre alongside his school mates Dai Miller, Phil Scurlock and John Roberts who later became senior teammates for The Blues. Fleming played outside half for the County U15s and was the place kicker with his school pals Roberts and Scurlock also in the squad.
 
When he moved onto to youth rugby Keith actually was persuaded to play for Milford Haven RFC  - but it didn’t last long as had a change of heart and played with his mates Dai John, Robert Hitchings, Andrew Curtis and Phil Scurlock for Haverfordwest Youth.
 
Keith captained the club in ‘77 and his team enjoyed a marvellous season in winning the ‘treble’ of League, Cup and sevens - and the squad consisted of Graham and Dilwyn Banner, Billy Martin, Mickie Davies, Anthony Lawrence, Anthony Morgan and Keith himself. In the intervening years there was a number of other Sevens successes as players of the calibre of Stephen and Nigel Griffiths, plus Peter Lacey, appeared.
 
However, his senior career incredibly spanned over four decades and it finished at Heywood Lane at the age of 42. He was presented his Pembrokeshire County blazer badge for playing more than 20 times.
 
He made his senior appearance whilst still a youth player when The Blues visited Llanelli Wanderers and  he marked his debut with a try.
 
Haverfordwest were inspired in the 7Os by legendary skipper, Anthony Lawrence, known as Lolly - winning the 1972 Pembrokeshire KO Cup and League Title in the 74-75 season
 
It was Fleming who played a crucial part to that success providing the steel, pace and variety to the back row. He was a fearsome competitor but universally respected by teammates and opponents alike.
 
When The Blues played Pontypool in the Welsh Cup twice, their legendary coach, Ray Prosser took a shine to him but the travel distance between Pembrokeshire and Gwent was too far. In the Pooler outfit was the famous Wales front row Graham Price, Bobby Windsor and Charlie Faulkner also Eddie Butler  featured in the back row.
                            
His good friend Dai Miller even offered to drive him to Llanelli but due to work commitments he declined.
 
Haverfordwest nearly completed a Welsh Cup upset when they narrowly lost 12-7 at home against Bridgend who went on to win the cup that season, but The Blues had the consolation of scoring the only try against them during The Ravens’ cup run.
 
 
The former Blues’ skipper was strong; pacy; skilful but modest. His versatility allowed him to switch from flanker to centre to help Haverfordwest defeat Milford Haven in the Pembrokeshire KO Cup Final.
 
His good friend and teammate Billy Martin spoke highly of him: “In my eyes he was the greatest player to ever play for Haverfordwest. Yes, he was that good.
 
“He could have comfortably played first class rugby back then, but due to work commitments he stayed loyal to The Blues.”
 
Billy ‘The  Boot’ Martin regaled the time The Blues beat Cardigan in the early 70s to lift the KO Cup for the first time.
 
“Yes I remember it well – the final was played at Bierspool Park, home of the Pembroke Dock Harlequins – Cardigan had former Wales internationals Paul Ringer and Brynmor Williams (played scrum half for British Lions in ’77) in their team – but it was Fleming who lead a rampant Blues’ pack alongside delighted skipper Lolly to earn the Blues’ an historic victory that evening,” added a proud Martin.
 
“Have I told you I also kept my good looks because Fleming babysat me by taking all my tackles,” he added with a chuckle.
 
At the tail end of his career Fleming enjoyed a brief spell at Heywood Lane, playing for Tenby United as his family had moved to the area.
 
I was fortunate enough to have watched The Blues’ glory years and witnessed first-hand them celebrate their centenary at the old Fishguard Road ground – where I have a got a lot of fantastic memories of a great team playing attractive rugby under coach Trevor James.

Later my own dream came to fruition when I was lucky enough to pull on The Blues’ jersey and play alongside undoubtedly many of my heroes who I supported during my teen years which had inspired me to partake in the oval ball game.
 
Pembrokeshiresport.co.uk send sincere condolences to his wife Angela, daughter Hannah, son Matthew, and grandchildren Avia and Ophelia  - also rest of his family and friends.
 
The funeral will take place at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth on Tuesday, 24^th June at 12.15pm. There will be family flowers only with donations in memory of Keith made payable to Cancer Research, Wales c/o Funeral Directors Messrs W & M J Rossiter & Sons Ltd, The Old Rectory, The Norton, Tenby SA70 8AB.

Afterwards there will be light refreshments at the Haverfordwest RFC Clubhouse on Pembroke Road, Merlins Bridge.