'Jack' is just the boy to talk to about Neyland RFC

When we asked current Neyland team manager and former player Peter ‘Jack’ Davies to start off our new series of picking a team of the past two decades from their club he readily agreed – but the next day admitted that he had spent into the early hours pondering about the challenge - because there were so many candidates for every position and in the final analysis he could have picked at least three teams!

Front row options

Now Peter is an expert front rower because he played there throughout his playing days and his choice of a front row was as follows:

“I would have to go for Mark ‘Lucas’ Lewis as loose-head prop because he used to get so involved in the loose as well as scrummaging well – and he could certainly wind up opponents, almost without seeming to work at it. Another who came in to contention would have to be Mark ‘Miffy’ Smith.

“Tony Huddleston was my first choice as hooker just before Dickie Davies and Richard Banner, who were both livewires – but Tony got my vote because he was the complete hooker – and doubled up as an inspirational captain too!

“For me, Martin Dawes would complete the front row because of his hard, uncompromising approach – but Robert Johns was certainly an unsung hero for us and I couldn’t have a better replacement.”

Two giants in the second row

“My second rows would come from different eras as I would link Rod Chamberlain with Chris Busby. Rod is now the club president but was a commanding figure in his many years of winning quality line out ball – and also being involved in all the close-range stuff.

“Chris is still playing now after two decades of total involvement – and still one of the outstanding players whenever he’s on the field. Hard, uncompromising but with good hands and surprising pace for a big man – he would fit in to any team.

Outside these giants I would also need to mention Paul ‘Sledge’ Harries, who could double up in the back row, Malcolm Harries, a much underrated player, and Mark James, still involved today as another good servant of our club.”

‘Bob’ is the man in the back row

“Open side flanker would have to be Sean Bellerby, who was quiet off the field but able to let his actions on the pitch speak for him. Totally committed, quick to the break-down and superbly fit – and as tough as teak for a relatively small player.

“The blind side role would be occupied by Adi Riley, another relatively small player but whose robust tackling and getting around the pitch was vital – and with the ability to fill in I would pick Mark Chamberlain (Rod’s son) and Jamie Dalton, who was underrated after joining us from Haverfordwest..

“And no doubt in the No 8 slot – it would have to be Andrew ‘Bob’ Williams, who was a physical presence in all he did and had solid skills for a big man. He could have gone ‘Up the line’ to clubs like Neath and Swansea – but was a Neyland player through and through.

“A very good replacement would be Richard Incledon, who was supremely fit and skilful – and could have made his name in the centre had he chosen!

Mathew makes his mark as captain from the club’s No 9 factory – and Nicky gets the No 10 vote

“If Bob was my choice at No 8 then his brother Mathew was a certainty at scrum half – and I would have him as my captain despite the authentic claims of others in my squad. As a physical scrum half, with the ability to play blind-side flanker, he was a juggernaut in his powerful running but also knew when to release his backs. Another who could have made it at a much higher level but chose his home-town club.

“If Wales had the outside half factory then we had the place where scrum halves were built because Mike Griffiths starred for Bridgend and Llanelli but only played for a short while in my time but was a brilliant player, alongside other talented No 9s in Andrew Milne, Mark Hamer, Paul Power, Mark Riley, Steve Hamer (also a fine centre) and Steve Edwards.

“My outside half would be Nicky Greggain, whose ability to spot gaps brought his backs into action and his place kicking was also good – and he could raise the tempo from anywhere.

“Mark Britton was physically strong and an astute reader of the game, as well as a powerful right boot, whilst Mark Evans had pace aplenty and the ability to side step opponents with ease.

Pacy wingers galore – and terrific choices at centre

“My wingers would be Richard Ryder and Paul Power. Richard had so much pace and scored loads of tries before joining Narberth, whilst Paul was strong and determined – and could slot in to so many other positions.

“Rob Bellerby and Delme Bateman were others with a nose for the try line, as was Andrew Phelan before he sadly passed away so young.

“My centre pairing has pace, guile and power from Steve Evans and Martin ‘Ted’ Tamilia. Steve still serves the club in coaching after great with the youth and now at senior level – and was another terrific reader of the game, with the ability to judge his passes to perfection. He was also very strong in defence, loving the physical aspect of play – and showing it still recently when the team was short.

“‘Ted’ was a pocket-battleship and opposing backs hated facing his direct running and ability to create chances from anywhere by breaking tackles.  The centre spots were difficult choices because Adam Collins was very similar and is looking as good now as he did as a youngster, with John Greggain a really classy act and Colin Picton was no mug either!

Phil’s the pic at full back and Riley is a coach’s dream

“At full back Phil Sutton was another class act who was strong in defence but just as imposing on the front foot as he also played well for Bridgend and Tenby. He had a terrific right boot which added another threat from his long-range kicking.

“He was the natural choice at full back and there was also quality ply in the No 15 shirt from Gregg Miller, David and Richard Easton.

“I must also mention the fact that Mark Riley was the coaches’ dream as a player because he could slot in anywhere from 9 to 15, still helps out when needed and has recently turned out in the back row. Paul Power is another who falls into the ‘play anywhere’ category.

‘A final word about ‘Gaga’ and ‘Ceefax’

“On the subject of coaches, current incumbent Graham Richards would fend off the strong challenge of others who previously held the post – ‘Gaga’ is very analytical in reading the game and has been way ahead of his time on several other occasions, with ‘Mr Evans’ an admirable assistant.

“And finally, the undoubted choice as team manager would be the late Martin ‘Ceefax’ Rees, who did such great work for the club, not only in administration but doing many other small but vital roles. Nicknamed ‘Ceefax’ because of his amazing depth of knowledge,  nothing was too much trouble for Martin – and he also did a thorough job at linesman, with total impartiality, that didn’t always please some All Black diehards!