The autobiography of Derek Bevan, one of Wales's best international rugby union referees, who refereed the World Cup Final in 1991, comprising stories about humorous and serious incidents which he experienced both on and off the rugby field. 19 black-and-white and 1 colour photograph.

Hunangofiant Derek Bevan, un o ddyfarnwyr rhyngwladol rygbi'r undeb gorau Cymru, a ddyfarnodd rownd derfynol Cwpan y Byd 1991, y n cynnwys straeon am ddigwyddiadau doniol a dwys a brofodd ar y ca e rygbi ac oddi ar y cae. 19 llun du-a-gwyn ac 1 llun lliw.

I had always imagined that the ideal referee would need to be a deaf, masochistic armadillo. My ideal Saturday afternoon would not involve being an Aunt Sally target for verbal missiles concerning the validity of my parentage from both sets of supporters, all of them questioning the identity of 'the bastard in the black'. Thankfully, such insults are almost redundant, as referees are now allowed to dress in anything from green to pastel pink.

Thankfully as well, the author of The Man in the Middle comes across as a surprisingly normal being. At twenty-five years of age, Derek Bevan was an underground electrician at Brynlliw Colliery. He was also playing as flanker for Vardre, but a fall at the pit brought his playing career to a premature end. He needed, however, to keep himself involved with rugby. He settled initially for committee work, coupled with sweeping the dressing rooms and selling raffle tickets. But he missed the action. Yet when it was suggested that he become a referee, he scoffed at the idea. By his own admission, he hated referees. However, rather than spend two years kicking his heels while recovering from his injuries, he took to the whistle. During his baptism of fire in a match between Cwmgors and Trebanos Seconds he was accused by one visiting player of being a worse referee than he had been a player. But the die was cast, and Bevan persisted. And the rest, as they say, is history.

The book traces his refereeing career, which included the 1991 World Cup Final, almost fifty internationals, four Welsh Cup Finals, the World Cup Sevens, the Hong Kong Sevens, the Dubai Sevens and the Students' World Cup Final. He also explores the immense change that transformed the game during his twenty-eight-year career, including the development of the IRB, professionalism and the growing importance of the smaller nations. And, surprise, surprise, he owns up to a few mistakes.

Assisted in his writing by Owen Jenkins, Derek Bevan has produced what is a good read, never boring, sometimes thought-provoking, always interesting.

Lyn Ebenezer

It is possible to use this review for promotional purposes, but the following acknowledgment should be included: A review from www.gwales.com, with the permission of the Welsh Books Council.

Gellir defnyddio'r adolygiad hwn at bwrpas hybu, ond gofynnir i chi gynnwys y gydnabyddiaeth ganlynol: Adolygiad oddi ar www.gwales.com, trwy ganiatâd Cyngor Llyfrau Cymru.