Nantgaredig
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“I was born on a little farm adjacent to Nantgaredig
Rugby Club and my first memories of the club were hearing
the lads playing rugby as I walked my dog on a nearby field.
My curiosity got the better of me and I went along to the club
to investigate and became a fan, recognising many faces on
and off the pitch that day.
Although I played Rugby at school that was it really,
back in those days you were told to bring your white shorts
and T shirt for PE. I was in my late 20s before a friend of
mine, who played at Nant, asked me to play and from then I
was a 2nd team player, eventually graduating to the 1st XV. I
usually played as centre or wing and I suppose my forte was
my quickness although I loved to also play on the openside
as flanker given the chance.
I would have to say that this season’s team is the
best ever to take to the field, supported by a great group
of members and coaches who have put their heart and soul
into this little village club. I played for the club when all we
had was a shed and cinema style seats so the development
of the facilities at the club is superb for local people to enjoy.
My business, Davies Tiling Service, have sponsored
the club for over a decade now and I have always liked to
support the team. I’m sure the boys will be eager to pull
on the Nantgaredig jersey for the challenges of next season
and I know they will wear it with pride. All the very best to
everyone at the club moving forward.”
Eric Davies
“I am the stepdad of Scott and Alex Williams who I coached through junior rugby at Newcastle Emlyn. It’s great
to have been part of their development into senior rugby as it is to be part of any young person’s development like
what is happening at Nantgaredig just now.
Tomas Marks, who is his joint coach partner for the past two years has been outstanding bringing a lot of positive
energy to the club, coupled with a great defence coach in the form of Stuart Phillips and a great squad has culminated
in this historic season.
The second team have had a very positive influence this season meaning places being challenged for. Nantgaredig
is a unique club with special people involved and being a village side in a heavy rugby region they have done very
well this year.
Some of the committee members who were part of the previous undefeated team of the past came into the
dressing room at the end of the season and congratulated us on making history as when they had previously gone
undefeated they had drawn one game so this had been exceeded this season; this was a wonderful and gracious
touch by these clubmen and their respect meant a lot to us all.
We had a few close shaves over the season but like Warren Gatland’s boys I think we just forgot to lose. Really
looking forward to next year’s challenge which will see us up against local rivals Carmarthen Athletic. Congratulations
to everyone at the club on a great season.”
Derek Thomas, Joint Head Coach
“I grew up locally and have early memories of attending
the annual carnival so was around the club when it started.
My dad Bryan was a founder player and flanker in 1966 when
the first match was played. On my return from university at
the age of 22 I started my playing career with the club mainly
as outside half or full back but over my ten-year playing
career you would see me slot into any of the back positions.
Initially my career path was in teaching but I changed
direction to work in the family business and became a
heating engineer. With the risk of injury now having more of
a potential impact on my second career I hung his boots up
at age 32. I had the honour of captaining the club across two
millennia in 1999 and 2000; the following year being part
of the team playing against a great Nigel Davies XV was a
brilliant experience.
This season has been phenomenal and I can’t remember
seeing such a complete Nantgaredig side with such an
expansive style of play based on ball in hand and less kicking.
On one occasion I took my nephew Harri Morgan down to
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see a premiership game and after the match Harri had
mentioned it was like a game of ping pong. Later when we
went to a local Nantgaredig match Harri commented on the
high standard and skill of the players and said, ‘I want to
come here and play!’
My company Dylan Raymond Heating Engineers have
been proud sponsors for many years and I like to give
something back to a club which has given him so much, I
am looking towards increasing his sponsorship for the season
19/20.
The club has a real volume of exceptional members
who go well beyond any level of what would be considered
normal contributions. Nantgaredig RFC has always had an
amateur, all-inclusive ethos with friendship being the gel
that binds everyone together. I wish everyone continued
success for next year’s campaign and best of luck for many
more years to come!”
Dylan Raymond