LEWI’S TROPHY A BIG SUCCESS

A NEW cup competition to remember Llanelli rugby personality Lewis Jones has been declared a huge success by its organisers.

Llanelli Warriors set up the Lewis Jones Memorial Cup in memory of their former linesman.

Lewis was well known locally as a fan of the Scarlets and grassroots rugby. As well as brandishing cards and cheerleading at Stradey, he was often to be found at local grounds running the line.

The Scarlets held a minute’s silence for him when he passed away and there were numerous other tributes. The Warriors hope that this competition will run and run.

Llanelli Warriors chairman Gwilym Lewis said: “Lewi was so well known in local rugby circles that we wanted a competition that reflected that. He was a well-loved character who could turn up anywhere locally. He ran the line for numerous teams and was part of the local rugby culture.”

The competition was modelled on the New Zealand Ranfurly Shield, where the holders defend the cup whenever they meet another affiliated side.

A total of 17 local sides, all with an affiliation with Lewi or the Warriors, signed up and the first game was held in August when the Warriors beat Ferryside 28-32. Incoming Welsh coach Wayne Pivac made the presentation.

The Warriors made the first defence of the trophy when they beat Betws Seconds 29-22, but after that the cup moved around clubs very quickly.

The Warriors conceded possession when they lost to Burry Port, where Lewi’s brother Tom presided. The first youth match in the competition saw Llanelli Wanderers take possession, but then their first team were edged out by Llangennech when they met in division one west.

Llan then lost to Felinfoel and they achieved a successful defence when they beat Kidwelly.

Burry Port Youth regained the cup from their Felinfoel counterparts on their way to claiming the Scarlets Cup, and their first team managed two defences by seeing off first Tumble and then Pontarddulais in what was their last league game of the season. The cup will remain in Burry Port over the summer.

Mr Lewis was very pleased with how the competition played out. “Lewi was such a well-known and well-loved character and a huge part of the local rugby scene.

“Obviously, with the pressure of fixtures and the different standard of the various clubs, a traditional forFelinfoel are presented with the Lewis Jones Memorial Cup. mat wouldn’t have worked.

“This way the cup moved between clubs in much the way Lewi would have done. He supported all levels of rugby so it’s great that youth and second XVs were also involved.

“Hopefully it has added a little something to those matches. We would like to thank all the clubs for their support. They have all bought in, adding some prestige and respect. It’s kept his memory alive in a really positive way.

“Some of the clubs had stories about Lewi in the match programme and I know that there was a lot of reminiscing after some of the games.

“Some clubs were even presenting the man of the match with Lewi’s favourite drink, a free pint of bitter in the cup. Phil Steele, Rupert Moon and Wayne Pivac have added their support and I’m sure the cup will go from strength to strength.”