Reminiscences

Having been connected with the Club for nearly 50 years, my mind went back (as one does when one gets older) to former seasons and former players; and I started to think about "teams of the decade" - not an easy thing to do, as the memory can play funny tricks! Nevertheless here goes: if this creates any interest, or brings back memories, or even initiates some discussion, I shall be more than pleased, but I don't expect anyone to agree with my lists (even Warren Gatland doesn't please everybody!)

Team of the 50s (i.e. 1948 to 1959)

As my first contact with Llandovery was in 1959, I sought the assistance of fellow life-member Neville Morgan; the Club owes Neville a big debt of gratitude, as he is responsible for the wonderful display of jerseys, ties and photographs in the Club. He was a former player back in the 50s.  

Team of the 60s

For this I solicited the help of another life-member, T. Gareth Jones, or "Twm Mount" as he is affectionately known. Gareth has been a tremendous servant of the Club: as a player for some 25 years (!), committeeman for much, much longer than that; Club Captain on five separate occasions, long-serving Fixture Secretary and, in turn, Treasurer, Secretary and former Chairman of the Club. However, for any possible blatant omissions, the blame is entirely mine! 

Team of the 70s

 Footnote:

As I have said previously, it's not an easy task I've set myself - there are only 15 places and lots and lots of names have to be left out. I hope I'm forgiven for any glaring omissions - please come up with your own versions of “team of the decade". One of the criteria that has been used is not to include anyone in 2 separate decades - although there are a number of people whose playing career has spread over two (and even three!) decades. (I know of three from the same family!!!)

Team of the 80s

Again there are many either/ors to most of the positions; but by now teams were able to nominate up to six replacements, of whom a maximum of two could be used to replace injured players only (!). So here goes:- 

Replacements: Colin Henry, Eifion (Tank) Evans, Huw Evans, Howard Ingram, Randall Jones, Dewi Evans 

Footnote:

It may be of interest to note at this stage the team that represented Llandovery on that momentous day (8th December 1984) when we caused a big upset and knocked (the then) mighty Pontypridd out of the Welsh Cup, beating them convincingly by 21 points to 6 to go into the next round against Llanelli(!). 

Team: Alan Morgan, Eirian Jones, Geraint Williams (capt), Alun Thomas, Carwyn Davies, Carwyn Williams, Randall Jones; Gareth Williams (Charlie), Wyn Morgan, Dai Thomas, Noel Page, Wyn Williams, Elfyn Jenkins, Eddie Morris, Dai Wigley. Replacements: Nigel Clarke, Chris Davies, Colin Henry, Handel Davies, Dewi Evans, Eifion (Tank) Williams

Team of the 90s

Replacements: Gerald Lewis, Phil Davies, Stuart Doel, Herman Bosman, Jamie Roberts, Martin Rees

Team for the Half Century

Nearly everyone who plays this game of selection says it is impossible to compare players of different generations - and then they proceed to do exactly that. So now comes the impossible task of finding a "team" (selected from those previous "Teams of the Decade") for (a purely subjective):

Replacements: Wyn Morgan (Chippo), Simon Emms, Wyn Williams, Dai Wigley, Handel Davies, Geraint Williams.

On to Stardom

Llandovery has played its full part over the years in developing players for future honours. Here is a "Team" of players who have honed their skills with Llandovery R.F.C. before moving on to higher levels: 

Note:** denotes current Internationals — FIVE of them !!!!