Benllech Rugby Club, Anglesey

by Sue
(Marianglas)

Benllech Rugby Club on Anglesey enjoyed a rewarding 2006/7 season and was one of the most successful Welsh District Rugby Clubs in North Wales. Their pitch at Tree Tops Public House in Bwlch Lane, Benllech is one of the best in North Wales, and the after match facilities in the comfortable bars at the public house are second to none.

Visitors are welcome and many take advantage of the opportunity to enjoy an afternoon’s rugby and good company. There is no charge and the TV screens in the sports bar ensure that club and international matches can be watched in comfort.

Benllech won the Plate Competition at the 2007 Llangoed Sevens and on their day can produce very exciting rugby. Unlike other sports the players pay a match fee. Benllech Rugby Club is fortunate in having many friends who sponsor various activities including the Dragons/Junior section.

Every Sunday morning qualified coaches introduce youngsters aged 7 years upwards to Rugby Union. The organisation for coaching youngsters is very strictly controlled and parents can enjoy Sunday morning reading the papers in peace, without worrying about their children (boys and girls). Sessions start at 1030 and finish at 12 noon. Phone Mike Davies on 01248 450365.

Rugby is a sociable sport which caters for all shapes, sizes and ages. Everyone is welcome on a training night (Tuesday 7 pm) and there is no charge. There are changing and showering facilities. If you enjoy this experience you might wish to play and many reluctant hopefuls have turned out to be fine players. Rugby is more than a game.

Benllech Rugby Club was formed in December 1975, when a group of rugby people met in the back room of the Nautilus Public House. The driving force behind the move for a team was a group of sixth formers from Ysgol Syr Thomas Jones, Amlwch, who wanted to play rugby at open age level. Among this group were Adrian Rees, Phil, Howard, Emyr Davies, Andy Peters, Nigel Clark and David Williams.

One of the prime movers behind the club in the early years was Wales International and Vice Captain, Danny Harris, who as a teacher was able to transform some very raw youngsters into a rugby team. There was a shortage of forwards and a number of ex-players in their thirties were persuaded to put their boots on again! The mix worked well and Benllech enjoyed a wonderful three years on and off the pitch.

The club moved from pitch to pitch, playing in Bangor, Amlwch, Beaumaris, Llanfairpwll and Brynteg before settling at their present field at Bwlch Lane many years ago.

Many pairs of brothers have played but the Hughes family boasted four brothers who played for the Club. Richard (Dixie) was captain and brothers Alan, Meirion and Dafydd have also played.

The sons of former players are well represented and Gareth Parry, and Paul Stephen Williams (last year’s Captain) are sons of founder members. Many an old gentleman in the local community can say “I played for Benllech Rugby Club”. Thank you to all of them.

In a short history it is impossible to acknowledge all those who helped. The club is well established in the Welsh District’s Rugby Union. The future is exciting and everyone is invited to join in the fun.