Statue gives testimony to a local boy who certainly made good

On how the Bible compares Christian life to running a race

THE statue honouring Phil Bennett is well deserved and will be a lasting testimony not only to Phil’s outstanding rugby career but to a Llanelli boy who has never forgotten his roots.

His potential was seen by Wyn Bowen, PE teacher at Coleshill, where many of us were Phil’s contemporaries. From Felinfoel to 16 seasons with the Scarlets where, on the hallowed turf of Stradey Park, we witnessed his brilliance and on the international scene with 29 caps for Wales. One memorable try against Scotland in 1977 was described by Bill Mclaren as the greatest of the tournament and was voted the best try in Welsh history. Always the ‘team’ player his unique side- step often got his teammates over the line. He played 20 times for the Barbarians including the famous game against the All Blacks in 1973 where he was the catalyst for Gareth Edwards’s magnificent try. His well-earned admission to the prestigious International Rugby Hall of fame reflected the international respect of the rugby world.

Since his retirement, his astute commentaries on TV affirmed his vast knowledge of the game. Phil Bennett remains a rugby legend and the statue at the heart of the village he loves gives testimony to this local boy who certainly made good!

Inspired by the games of the first century the author of the book of Hebrews in the Bible compares the Christian life to running a race – the race of faith. He doesn’t speak so much of winning the race, it was for him how the race is run. He saw the athleticism of those in the race and aligned that to living a life grounded in the rules of the game such as fair play, integrity, discipline and goodwill. Looking to Jesus whom he described as the author and perfector of faith. Virtues we all need so much in this divided and hostile world.

It’s fitting that our community have honoured Phil Bennett in this way. A young man from Felinfoel who took the rugby world by storm, who reached the heights of a sport to which he brought such excellence. Delme Thomas, who has been friends with Phil since the 1960s, once said Phil was one of the least affected people he had known. “He is just a great person; someone it’s been a privilege to know and call a friend.” We’d all say Amen to that!