A great ‘Worthington Wednesday’ Evening with The Otters!

PHOTO:
Colin Charvis and Ken Owens

‘The Sheriff’ and ‘The Charve’ came to Narberth Rugby Club recently to help produce a memorable evening for fans of the oval-ball game as the former related stories that highlighted the way of life for modern Welsh international rugby players, whilst the latter told terrific tales about the way of life for top players in his time when he accumulated 94 caps.

Ken Owens is still building on his cap collection and has this season passed the 60 mark in the middle of the front row and as well as showing obvious pride in that achievement is a passionate Scarlets’ hooker who has also served the club well as captain, represented the Barbarians against England before he became an international – and played for the Great Britain and Ireland Lions to really cement his place amongst the top players of Wales.

Colin Charvis was born and bred in Sutton Coalfield but whilst playing for Swansea laid claims to be considered for national selection for his adopted country and is still very passionate about being considered as Welsh and still lives in Swansea, where he runs a very successful family carpet business. He also captained Wales in the 2001 World Cup in Australia and is also a very proud Lion as part of an international career from 1996 to 2007.

They were aided and abetted by Phil Steele, who further enhanced his deserved reputation as Wales’ top after-dinner speaker by seamlessly stitching the evening together, getting the evening off to a flying start with a pithy opening session, followed by a terrific question and answer session where both international players responded to questions put by the audience, guided along by Phil as he also joined in the light-hearted approach with  some witty responses to members of the large crowd.

Phil also rounded off a memorable night with some hilarious stories of people he had met in freelance reporter  role in the game around Wales and the rest of the world in an event organised by Bill Ridge on behalf of the Otters, which was part of Coors Brewery’s ‘Worthington Wednesdays’; where the aim was to bring the top stars, usually found at corporate events and therefore out of reach of ordinary rugby fans, into clubhouses around the country.

It certainly worked because as well as fantastic entertainment they were treated to an excellent meal provided by club stewardess Sheena Conbeer and her staff.

“I can remember coming to Narberth to play as a nipper,” said Ken Owens, “and it is great to come back to meet with real rugby fans and enjoy a fun evening, especially when I’m joining the likes of ‘Charve’ and Phil.”

It was a view shared by Colin Charvis as he added,

“You can see when you walk into the room that this club is vibrant , and fans know their rugby judging by the questions asked.”

It was perhaps appropriate that the final word be left with Phil Steele, who told PembrokeshireSport.co.uk,

“Although I am originally from Ely, Cardiff, I feel that Pembrokeshire is my spiritual home; with my first wife’s ashes scattered off Little Haven and my current wife originating from the county.

“The ‘Worthington Wednesdays’ are a great plan and we could not have had a better welcome than we have had with Narberth RFC’s supporters, and great praise goes to Bill Ridge for the way that he organised the event.”

PHOTO:
Gordon Thomas, Phil Steele and Bill  Carne