Sad News from Narberth:

 
Today we continue the second of our three eulogies of Narberth sporting characters who have passed away, with Rob ‘Basher’ Lewis sadly departed from his amazingly loyal work with The Otters for over half a century.
 
Gordon Thomas and I at PembrokeshireSport’co.uk both agree that he was a lovely man and I always knew that whenever I went to watch Narberth, he would give me a warm welcome – and he often sat in the stand just a row in front of Freeman Brawn and no-one was more committed to their cause as a player and administrator.
 
Rest in peace Rob – you will be missed!
 
 

Narberth RFC pays a fitting tribute to ‘One of the Very Best’ ...

 
ROB ‘BASHER’ LEWIS RIP (ATRIBUTE BY RICHARD ‘STAG’ JONES)
 
Narberth RFC has lost one of its longest serving and dedicated clubmen. 
 
Robert “Basher” Lewis was a Life Member, Chairman, Team Manager, Coach, Player and Ambassador. He held these positions in an uninterrupted 55-year association with the club. Rob treated each position with enthusiasm and pride. During this time, his considerable contribution saw the club rise from a social team in the 1970’s to the current Premiership team.
 
Rob began his association with the club whilst still at school, winning the Pembrokeshire Youth Cup 5-0 against Haverfordwest RFC in Neyland. He played regularly for the 1st XV for 12 seasons. Rob also played for Llanelli and Pembrokeshire.  He was a talented winger; quick, elusive and brave. 
 
In a game against Pembroke, Rob was involved in a fracas with the opposing team. In the changing rooms after the match, John Owen complimented Rob on “Bashing” a member of the opposition and the nickname “Basher” was born.
 

First Otter silverware – and a change of attitude

 
In 1981, Narberth RFC won the prestigious Pembrokeshire Knock Out Cup for the first time in their history. Rob was a member of the team that evening, which saw Narberth defeat Cardigan 13-12. It was the first silverware that the club had achieved and everyone was delighted.
 
The result changed the mindset of Narberth RFC. Two years later in the centenary season, the club won the Pembrokeshire Double. Rob scored many tries that season and always maintained that he could have scored many more, if Geraint Bowen had passed him the ball more often!
 

Injury forced a halt – but it was to coaching’s benefit

 
A broken leg in the following season brought his playing career to an end. He started coaching the Narberth RFC Youth team with Roger Wall and Joss Griffiths. A successful season ensued and Basher had arrived.
 
In 1986/87, Basher joined together with Richard “Stag” Jones and they coached the 1st XV successfully for eight seasons. In 1989/90, the club won the Pembrokeshire Double.
 
 
This ensured a place in the newly formed Heineken League. Two years later, the team achieved a third-place position in the league. A victory in the final game away to Cross Keys would have resulted in promotion but it was not to be. Cross Keys and Dunvant were promoted into the “Big League” against Llanelli, Cardiff etc. Dunvant won two games that season and Cross Keys none. 
 

A new role for ‘Basher’ – Team manager

 
In season 1995/96, Basher became team manager, a position he held for 23 seasons. He worked tirelessly with Captains and Coaches alike, ensuring Narberth achieved the highest level of rugby possible on the field, whilst also endeavouring to create a Narberth experience that players, supporters and sponsors enjoyed and promoted. 
 
There have been some excellent coaches at Narberth RFC. In 2006/07 Sean Gale joined the club and Basher had a soul mate. They had identical values and ambitions for the club and they formed a successful partnership through Sean’s 18-year tenure. When Sean finished he paid Rob the ultimate accolade – “Coaches can be replaced but Rob Lewis is irreplaceable!”
 
Basher worked exceptionally hard for Narberth RFC, the time and effort he put into this club is immeasurable.
 

‘Beating heart’ of Narberth RFC

 
He has been described as the” beating heart” of the club and he will be extremely difficult to replace. In Basher’s world there was only one club and woe betide if you tried to persuade him differently. The word “Legend” is liberally used in conversation nowadays but Robert “Basher” Lewis will be remembered as a real “Legend” at Narberth RFC.
 
During the last two years, Rob’s health deteriorated but he was unbelievably brave and very positive. He stoically attended matches and meetings and his enthusiasm never waned. The thoughts of everyone at the club are with his wife, Patsy and his daughters Clare and Sarah.
  
What friends had to say about the great man:
 
You can tell your friends your stories, but your best friends help make these stories. Our paths first crossed the night we played our first game for Narberth Youth in the Pembrokeshire Cup Final at Neyland, as 15 and 16 year old boys. As happens in sport, friendships are forged for a lifetime. Bash - thanks for being one of the best friends. Will miss you. Bows
GERAINT BOWEN, Narberth RFC Double-Winning Captain, 1989-90




 
 
Robert was a great friend, hugely loyal, great family man and the best rugby administrator I have ever had the pleasure of working with. He had the ability to make everybody so welcome to this great club, and was still unbelievably passionate about Narberth RFC when I left after 18 years. I remember saying coaches come and go and Narberth rugby stays successful, but the main reason for that was Robert Lewis. Sleep well my friend.
SEAN GALE, Former Narberth RFC Coach / Head Coach 
 
 
Many people will walk in and out of your life, but only true friends will leave footprints in your heart”. That is how family and friends from all over feel today at the loss of our great friend, Rob ‘Basher’ Lewis. I personally will miss our days at the rugby club, our evenings out and our weekend trips away. He will be greatly missed by all. Sleep well my friend.
JOHN LLEWELLYN, NRFC Treasurer & Friend
 
 
Narberth Rugby Football Club and the community have lost someone very special. He had given his life and soul to Narberth RFC and everyone had the hugest respect for him. Rest In Peace Basher.
DORIAN PHILLIPS, Narberth RFC President, and Former Team-mate