OLD PENS ANNUAL DINNER AND PRESENTATION EVENING

27th May 2011

 

With 108 members and their guests in attendance, Old Penarthians seemed well set for the annual Dinner and Presentation evening that took place in the top lounge at the historic Cardiff Athletic Club Friday, 27th May 2011.

Certainly, a marvellous atmosphere was evident when Chairman Mel Jones called for the order that preceded the customary good humoured offering of Grace from Hon. Secretary Tony Crimp.

Suitably fed and watered by the three course meal that followed, the gathering then settled down as Club Captain James Evans, showing none of the nervousness normally associated with the Skipper’s speech on these occasions, got to his feet. Nevertheless, it might well be that the brevity of the remarks that followed was in deference to the number of players in the audience for the solitary joke allied to the thanks that were offered to all who had contributed to a successful season ensured that the traditional barrackers were given little chance to inflict any damage upon him.

Next on his feet, Chairman Jones made reference to each of his guests and assured them of a warm welcome before turning his attention to the very special individuals on the top table. Former Wales, British Lions, and Barbarians Skipper John Dawes received an enthusiastic ovation after Mel had outlined some of his many achievements. Those remarks were followed by a detailed resume of the extraordinary career of Principal Guest Mervyn Davies. "Merve the Swerve" – a nickname applied throughout the world of rugby but entirely without meaning other than the obvious rhyming content – had enjoyed a meteoric rise to fame that had seen him selected for Wales barely months after first appearing in the ranks of London Welsh RFC.

He then went on to represent the Barbarians and the British Lions, appearing in all tests during the tours to Australia/ New Zealand in 1971 and to South Africa in 1974. He was then awarded the captaincy of Wales and was favourite to lead the side on another Lions tour to New Zealand in 1977, an honour that fell by the wayside as a result of the horrendous after effects of the brain haemorrhage suffered when playing for Swansea against Pontypool in 1976. That injury ended his rugby playing career and a run of 34 consecutive appearances for Wales.

Although many of the audience had been born a number of years after Mervyn’s career had ended, all were quickly under his spell and he recounted his memories of fearsome matches, respected opponents, and humorous incidents for fully three quarters of an hour, maintaining the attention of all present throughout that period. At the end of his address, he was afforded a standing ovation with many of those present expressing the view that he was the best speaker heard at an Old Boys Dinner for quite some time.

Not that the end of his address meant the end of his duties for Mervyn then went on to kindly award the trophies to the players who had earned those rewards for their efforts during the season. For centre Mark Sadler, the evening was particularly special for he not only won the award as the First team’s Player of the Year but he was also deservedly nominated by the Committee for the R.I. Mason Cup for the Club’s Player of the Year, for a series of outstanding performances throughout the term.

 

 

Mark Sadler receiving the 1st XV Player of the Year shield from Mervyn Davies (Photo by Andrew Gill)

Mark Sadler receiving the R.I. Mason Cup for the Club’s Player of the Year from Mervyn Davies (Photo by Andrew Gill)

 

Young Tom Parkinson may be short in stature but he lacks nothing in enthusiasm and commitment and it was these qualities that ensured that he won the award as the Second team Player of the Year.

 

Tom Parkinson receiving the 2nd XV Player of the Year award from Mervyn Davies (Photo by Andrew Gill)

 

Following on the traditions of the likes of David Martin, Paul Kemp’s energy and determination in his outings for the Vets were an example to many players half his age and he was a deserved recipient of the Vets award.

 

Chris Kitch receiving the Vets Player of the Year award from Mervyn Davies on behalf of Paul Kemp (Photo by Andrew Gill)

 

Just out of University and in his first full season with the club, Jonathan Crimp has quickly settled down as a regular in the senior side and, although he has demonstrated a degree of versatility with appearances at both outside half and full back, there can be no doubt that his main contribution has been as part of an excellent partnership in the centre with Mark Sadler. The way in which he has settled into the role and the fact that he has ended the campaign as a player of maturity and influence persuaded the selectors that he was deserving of the award of the Peter Morrish Shield as the most Improved Player of the Season.

 

Jonathan Crimp receiving the Peter Morrish Shield for the Club’s Most Improved Player of the Year from Mervyn Davies and Club Captain James Evans (Photo by Andrew Gill)

 

It fell to President Roy Churchill to introduce the recipients of the First Team Colours Ties awarded only to individuals who have played in a minimum of 50 games for the senior side, and three had qualified on this occasion. Tom Draper has often been an outstanding performer in the Old Boys back division in recent times but an occasional waning in his interest has meant that it has taken from a debut in 2005 until April of this year for him to achieve the award. Richie Moir, in contrast, joined from St. Albans and made his debut in January of 2009. He qualified for his tie when scoring his 18th try for the club in April’s game away to Cilfynydd.

Former Sully forward Dean Pratt came on as a substitute in the game away to Hirwaun in September 2008. Now an established and valued member of the front row, the closest that Dean has come to a try was when he dived over the 5 yard line earlier this term! He qualified with a 50th appearance against Wattstown at the start of April.

Having confirmed James Evans, Ian Buckley, and Robert Crimp as Captains for the season ahead with Jeff Norman in charge of a coaching team comprising Alun Haines, Paul Langley, Scott McCarthy, and the Skipper with Tony Purnell again Team Manager, the Chairman brought the evening to a close by a surprise award. One of the club’s longest serving officers, former First team forward Nigel Williams took over the duties as Honorary Treasurer 40 years ago and has kept such a careful watch over the club’s finances that it is rumoured that he has only just applied for a second cheque book! Chairman Mel outlined the nature of the achievement in glowing terms and stressed that the club was anxious that Nigel, already one of a limited number of Honorary Life Members, should have a suitable award in appreciation of his long and dedicated service. In fact, this took the form of an original personalised caricature drawn by local artist Andrew Coslett that was presented to Nigel by fellow Life member Roy Churchill.

Proceedings finally came to an end close to the witching hour of midnight although it rumoured to be much later than that that many actually returned to Penarth. Amongst those still missing, however, is young Andrew Gill whose photographic record of the evening has yet to come to the surface. Anyone knowing his present whereabouts is asked to contact the President!