Pembroke County versus Valero charity match:

 
 
At 1pm on Saturday afternoon a huge crowd is expected to flock to Crickmarren, the home of Pembroke RFC, to cheer on a Pembroke County XV versus a Valero XV in the second match between the teams.
 
The first, two years ago, sat Pembroke County edge home so Valero with be looking for revenge – and it is worth noting that afterwards there will be facilities available to cheer on Wales as they take on England!
 

Main organiser Gareth has been a busy man

 
Organiser Gareth Scourfield is eager to see as much money raised as possible to help for Valero’s nominated charity and we at PembrokeshireSport have been delighted to promote the event as only we can – and on Sunday we will have a full match report, team sheets and action pictures.
 
In the meanwhile, after writing about all the eight coaches involved, today we tell you a little more below about the match referee and both eager captains!
 
We would like to wish both teams, officials and all spectators a memorable day at a special rugby fund-raiser!
 

Chris will be a key man in the middle!

 
Chris Oliver will be the man in the middle for Saturday’s charity match between a Pembroke County XV and a Valero XV which takes place at Crickmarren, the home of Pembroke RFC, at 1pm.
 
Chris has been officiating for about a decade after previously playing locally for clubs including Llangwm and Pembroke, as well as playing in the English semi-pro game as a centre with Bridgewater before that.
 
“But then a broken leg brought a halt to my playing days,” explained Chris,” and since I had reffed quite a lot in school games I had a level one qualification but decided to move up a level and try my hand at it on weekends.
 

Enjoyed it from the outset

 
“When I tried for my Level Two licence I got even more satisfaction from my first youth match in the middle between Milford Haven and Haverfordwest, where the respective coaches were Alan McClelland and Andrew Thicker.
 
“It was very fast and skilful under two good coaches and I enjoyed my involvement as a result – of course every match isn’t quite like that but I’ve enjoyed travelling all over South Wales and to North Wales on occasions, where the game is really developing.”
 

Three finals at The Principality Stadium

 
He has also been involved in three important finals at the Principality Stadium, the first as referee for the WRU Bowl Final won by Ystradgynlais and he says it was a wonderful feeling to walk out onto the field with the players.
 
“Then I was on the line for the Premiership Final between Cardiff and Merthyr, where Adam Jones was in charge, and back with the whistle for the Welsh Schools; Final involving Llandovery College against Cardiff and The Vale.”
 
Chris Oliver would say that all three were fantastic occasions but regards Saturday’s game as another to remember because of the important charity aspect – and we at PembrokeshireSport.co.uk wish him every success, safe in the knowledge that he is adept at keeping games flowing and will be eager to make it a memorable match for all the right reasons!