NORTH WALES v MONMOUTHSHIRE 1967 AND 2007
On Saturday, April 8, 1967, North Wales entertained Bridgend on their first visit to the area when a match was played on the Bangor ground, and it turned out to be a fast and exciting match, with Bridgend running out as worthy winners by 17 points to 9. The Bangor players in the side that day were Lorrie Rees, David Gray and T. W. Jones, the latter winning a special accolade for "some precise touch-finding".
The sensational result of the decade came a mere ten days later, when North Wales travelled to Newport to take on Monmouthshire in the Welsh Counties Championship Final. This game to decide the championship provided one of the biggest upsets in the Rugby Calendar. Monmouthshire were captained by David Watkins, that year's Welsh International XV Captain and they fielded five other internationals, including the hero of the England v. Wales match, Keith Jarrett. North Wales started with great determination, and eventually dominated all phases of the game.
The forwards showed power and skill in scrums and line-outs, and the back row excelled in cover, defence and speed to the loose ball. This enabled them to deny possession to the experienced Monmouthshire threequarters. The North Wales backs showed outstanding speed and determination and the wing three-quarters. A Kersey Brown and D. W. Jones, were firm favourites with the large crowd. Whenever the first line of defence was broken, Tony Gray's great speed and experience enabled him to cut off the danger.
North Wales emerged as convincing winners by 24 points to 6. This result, it was claimed, had placed North Wales on the Welsh Rugby map, and would be a great encouragement to both senior and school players to keep up to a high standard. Bangor, as an area, was well represented by John Kidner and Stuart Turner, from the University College, Tom Jones, Tony Gray and David Gray from Bangor, and Kersey-Brown from Penmaenmawr. The latter player was a former pupil of Friars School. W. E. Lewis, another ex-Friars boy, was a reserve for the side. D. W. Jones, right wing threequarter, was a former student of Bangor Normal College. G. Jones, at right centre, and Geoff Evans, second row, were also both former members of the University College team.
The North Wales side that shook Monmouthshire in the Welsh Counties Cup, by winning the Final 24 points to 6 points, at Rodney Parade, Newport.
Standing: J. Bryn Davies (N.W.R.U. Hon. Sec.); T. Crook (Colwyn Bay); Kersey Brown (Llandudno and London Welsh); G. Evans (B.U.C. and London Welsh); Peter Rogers (Ruthin); J. Kidner (U.C.N.W.); N. Ashworth (Colwyn Bay); I. Rees (Bangor).
Seated: D. Gray (Bangor); T. Gray (Bangor & London Welsh); John Rogers (Ruthin and Old Birkonians); D. W. Jones (Birkenhead Park); G. L. Jones (U.C.N:W. and London Welsh).
Front Row: K. Jones (Chester College); T. W. H. Jones (Bangor); S. Turner (U.C.N.W.). D. Mycock (Colwyn Bay).
