CENTENARY YEAR 1974 – 1975
Due to the additional work that Centenary Year would generate, Noyr Bryan put it to the Committee that I, who was the Assistant Hon’ Secretary at the time, would undertake these duties as Centenary Secretary.
During 1974/75 we were in the West Wales Rugby Union which comprised 36 Clubs with the entire League split into 4 groups of 9, resulting in 16 League matches; the top 4 were then involved in a play off and Final. The West Wales Cup which is much devalued now was regarded with a great deal of kudos with the final usually held at Stradey Park.
Against this background we had arranged a series of fixtures against first class opposition bearing in mind the exigencies of the League programme. Several teams turned us down, due to commitments, such as Neath who were also celebrating their Centenary that season. Swansea also declined our invitation. Their President at the time was Judge Rowe Harding, to whom I had written inviting him to be our guest speaker at the Centenary Dinner, originally scheduled to be held at the Drill Hall but actually held at the Club House in Nott Square. Rowe Harding declined our invitation, probably for good reason. Cliff Morgan was another I approached without success.
We eventually arranged fixtures with Llanelli, London Welsh, the Metropolitan Police (who stayed at the Falcon Hotel), The Presidents XV and Captain Crawshays XV.
As far as London Welsh and the Mets’ were concerned, we were somewhat fortunate that the respective Secretaries were originally from Carmarthen. Stuart Davies was a member of a well-known Town family, being the brother of Neil & Howard Davies, both teachers in Carmarthen together with another brother Tom, who as far as I recall was not involved in Rugby. Stuart was Secretary of London Welsh who, at the time, boasted about a dozen teams in a hierarchical pyramid. Although their fortunes were waning, they still had players of the calibre of Gerald Davies, Tom Shanklin, Geoff Evans and Billy HuIlin to call on.
The Secretary of the Mets was Denzil Jones, a Sergeant in that Police Authority and brother of David Jones (aka Dai Chips) who had represented the Quins as a hooker and also served on the General Committee.
I had asked Mr T0m L. Evans, a Geography master at the QEGS. Carmarthen, and a local historian, if he would pen a history of Carmarthen RFC to coincide with our Centenary. This he did and his report in pamphlet form was published during the season.
The Centenary Dinner as mentioned above, was held at the Club House in Bridge Street at the end of the season and our Principal Speaker was Mr. Harry Bowcott, then President of the WRU, as well as holding that title at London Welsh.
Mr. Tom Evans spoke on the history of the Club. A speech was also made by our President at that time, Mr. Calvet Jones. Mr. DOH Davies (aka Tarzan) was the official photographer.
Commemorative tie were designed and marketed during the year.
John Lewis,
Assistant Club Secretary (Tour Organiser)