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The three initial pieces in this book set the tone of the writing. Ray Gravell contributes a sentimental foreword, Gareth Charles also invokes schoolboy memories and this theme is continued by the author.
The book is sixty-one chapters of anecdote, triumph and tribute. A rugby international was played on Stradey in January 1887, but on the adjoining cricket pitch as the rugby area was half frozen. The Maoris were beaten in 1888 by 3-0, a dropped goal worth 3 times the value of a try then. We also learn that the ‘extra’ verse added when Sospan Fach is sung – who beat the Wallabies – comes from the 8–3 victory in 1908.
Chapters follow chronologically with profiles, beginning with Albert Jenkins, the most revered centre of the 20s and 30s, and Ivor Jones, the greatest wing forward of the same era. Post-war came Lewis Jones, brilliant and mercurial, whose career blossomed in rugby league with Leeds. Great games of these eras are interwoven with profiles of Barry John, Carwyn Jones, Delme Thomas, Phil Bennett etc.
The pattern changes slightly as the book progresses with a look at rugby developments - the WRU Challenge Cup and the study of positions, ‘the front row freemasons’ and the ‘scavengers and tinkers’ of the back row. Here also we look back at famous Heineken Cup encounters – Northampton, Perpignon, Biarritz. The work of Gareth Jenkins and Allan Lewis building on Carwyn James’s solid foundation is praised in the 90s account.
And for the true aficionados is the best Llanelli XV of all time – Terry Davies, Ieuan Evans, Albert Jenkins, Ray Gravell, J J Williams, Phil Bennett, Dwayne Peel, Barry Llewellyn, Norman Gale, Tom Evans, Delme Thomas, R H Williams, Derek Quinnell, Scott Quinnell, Ivor Jones.
The book is the work of an ardent fan writing for committed supporters. Objectively, it is too much of a paean of praise, more a eulogy than an analysis of major games and figures. As an example of the feelings of a Welsh rugby supporter for his chosen club, though, it is an honest and sincere declaration of admiration and faith.
Geoff Edwards
It is possible to use this review for promotional purposes, but the following acknowledgement 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 ganiatad Cyngor Llyfrau Cymru.
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