Friends pay their tributes to Torfaen rugby pair (From Free Press Series)

Friends pay their tributes to Torfaen rugby pair

3:49pm Wednesday 20th March 2013 in Sport

HUNDREDS of people turned out at a memorial match to honour two hugely popular figures in local rugby.

A combined Garndiffaith RFC and Talywain RFC side beat a Monmouthshire Select XV 21-0 at Garndiffaith Rugby Club last Friday night.

But the score was secondary to a celebration of the lives of Dale Llewellyn and Keith “Beefy” Jones.

Mr Jones and Mr Llewellyn both died on January 2 this year and were much loved members of both Talywain and the Garn, Mr Jones also coaching Monmouthshire.

Mr Jones’ son Hywel captained the Monmouthshire side who had players from Blaina, Aberbeeg, Croesyceiliog , Cwmbran, Llanhilleth and Pill Harriers among their ranks.

And despite the torrential rain it was a fantastic night, which, Scarlets’ Pontypool born centre Gareth Maule said “Beefy would have loved.”

The match raised £1,185 on the gate with that money being split between the Llewellyn and Jones families.

Bryn Parker, a lifelong friend of Mr Jones and the Monmouthshire team manager, said: “It was a really good evening.

There were a lot of people there and the clubhouse was full. It was great.

“On the field Beefy was one of the most committed people out there and off the field, well he was the king.

“If there was ever a lull in the clubhouse, he was up having a sing. All Shook Up was his favourite. Or he was having a fake high noon shoot out with Mikey Sloman. He was a great character.”

Mr Maule said: “The match was a fitting tribute. Beefy would’ve loved this. Beefy was the heart and soul of rugby in the area “He was a great friend and a mentor really.”