Memorial match tribute to Torfaen rugby heroes (From South Wales Argus)

Memorial match tribute to Torfaen rugby heroes

11:10am Thursday 14th March 2013 in News

A MEMORIAL match for two hugely popular figures in the Pontypool rugby scene will take place on Friday.

A combined Garndiffaith and Talywain RFC XV will take on a Monmouthshire County XV in honour of Dale ‘Dulky’ Llewellyn and Keith ‘Beefy’ Jones who both died on the same day in January this year.

The match will kick-off at 7.15pm at Garndiffaith RFC.

Mr Jones was described as a ‘legend’ of rugby in the area, having coached at Talywain, Garndiffaith, Pontypool United and, latterly, with Monmouthshire county.

He was best remembered by friends from both clubs for his straight talking and larger- than-life personality, which was particularly to the fore in the bar after matches.

His turns as Elvis and renditions of Native American song The Running Bear and Little White Dove were legendary.

Mr Llewellyn was just 25 and was described by friend and Scarlets centre Gareth Maule as “one of the nicest people you could ever hope to meet. A true gentleman.”

The second-row forward had joined Garndiffaith at the start of this season having played his whole life at Talywain.

He was also loved by youngsters across Torfaen as a result of his coaching work in the region.

Mr Llewellyn had only recently got married to his partner Rio.

Bryn Parker, team manager for the Monmouthshire side, said: “Keith coached all three of the sides playing in this game and Dale was another quality top of the valley player.

“The Monmouthshire selected side comes from 14 clubs and will be captained on the night by Keith’s son Hywel Jones.

“All the gate money will go to the families.”

Garndiffaith head coach Nathan Daniels said it promised to be a special night.

“We hope there’s going to be a good turnout and that both sides can put on a good show for Beef and Dale.

“Then we’ll head into the bar for a drink and a singsong though I won’t be stepping into Beef’s shoes as Elvis!

“It’s just important we mark what Keith put into rugby in the area and the type of person he was. He really was a mentor, who ate and slept local rugby.”

Talywain chairman Jeff Clutterbuck said: “It’s an important night because of how much both men meant to us all and for us all to show that.

“It will be a special night for Keith’s son Hywel and for all the boys Keith has coached and helped bring through from a young age, as well as remembering Dale, who was such a huge part of Talywain.”

Monmouthshire select squad members Monmouthshire select squad – Peter Loder, Jamie Noble, Len Baker (Blaenavon) – Kristian Reynolds, Grant Harrington, Michael Vaughan, Karl Fallon (Blaina) – Greg Thomas (Abertillery) – Nicky Coughlin (Beaufort) – Cerrig Wilson (Hafodyrynys) – Dan Williams, Adam Price (Risca) Carl Brimble (Blaina United) – Craig Llewellyn (Aberbeeg) Thomas Brown (Fleur de Lys) – Hywel Jones (Talywain - Capt) Kyle Scrivens (Pill Harriers) – Alex Davies ( Llanhilleth) Jamie Edwards, Micky Witts, Mike Davies, Micky Blake, Liam Davies, Luke Brown, Dave Thomas, Mike Lang (Cwmbran) plus 2 representatives from Newport HSOB – names to be confirmed.

Should anyone from the selected squad be unavailable, for whatever reason, please contact Team Manager Bryn Parker on 07811149425. One player will be presented with his cap on the night and others who have played the necessary games will be presented with ties.

Garndiffaith chairman Ray Salway with two tribute shirts in the Garndiffaith club house SWA_ML_13556_4