KEV KICKS OFF

I HAVE got to congratulate Brynteg, Ospreys and Wales scrum-half Rhys Webb on getting selected for the British & Irish Lions tour to New Zealand this summer. Webby has been in fantastic form through the Six Nations and has got to be No 1 choice. He’s come back from horrendous injuries and setbacks over the years but his mental toughness has been inspiring. He trains hard and plays hard and I hope he stays injury-free over the next few weeks with the Ospreys but he’s a player that wants to play and keep match fitness ticking over. I’m sure all Gazette readers wish him the best of luck on tour.

I have got to say how fantastic it was to watch the thousands of runners doing the London Marathon last Sunday. I’m sure there was massive money raised for various charities which is great news. I have got to give a special mention to Nia Williams who ran the marathon for charity MSA Trust. She also ran for her dad who’s not well – ex-Bridgend, Wales and Lions back row star Gareth “Sam” Williams. I was lucky enough to play with Sam when I first joined Bridgend RFC from the youth set up with Paul Yardley. He was a superb player and an even better man, always giving advice to the younger boys. Well done Nia.

It was great to hear that Warren Gatland, Rob Howley and Neil Jenkins gave up thier time to attend the Corntown Cricket Club dinner and answer some tough questions. I know Howlers used to play for the club so it’s great for the three of them to give up their time. QUESTION: What do you think of the British & Irish Lions squad and do you think we can win?

I think it’s a really strong squad and I’m glad Warren Gatland’s gone for 41 players because he’s going to need them. There are no easy games – even the midweek games are going to be high intensity and brutal. I won’t be surprised if we see a few boys go out of the squad and few boys come in as there’s still a lot of rugby to be played. I think the All Blacks will be up for this challenge and I think they will win 2-1. I hope I’m wrong and I will be shouting for the Lions big time.