Nostalgia returns to St Helens as Whites and Barbarians deliver in the Summer sun

Playing in front of a bumper 6,238 crowd for the first time in nearly 30 years in the summer sun, the two sides delivered to put on a show of entertaining rugby with no less than 15 tries, with the Baa-baa’s triumphing 68-33.

The game though was much more than about the result with the sentimental storylines surrounding the fixture. Many would have attended the match for the first time to see prodigal son 37-year-old Alun Wyn Jones return to the club where it all began nearly 20 years ago to play for both sides during the highly frenetic contest. 

Whilst others would have remembered the famous names of yesteryear wearing the prestigious jerseys of the two sides and the passion that comes with a match that was once a regular affair on the Swansea seafront. 

This was not quite the swan song for Wales’ most capped player, but there won’t be many more moments to experience one of World Rugby’s greatest-ever players.

One player though bidding an emotional farewell was Jones’ former international teammate Bradley Davies who announced his retirement from rugby prior to the match. The 60-cap Ospreys forward an often an unsung stall ward of the Welsh side over an 18-year career lineup alongside Jones within the Baa-baa’s forward line.

It was a fitting send-off for the former Cardiff and Wasps lock which even contained two attempted conversion attempts much to the delight and camaraderie of the enthused crowd young and old in cheering every moment of a night long to be fondly remembered by all in attendance.

Enthused by the roaring grandstand the Whites played with confidence as some of the next set of possible stars enjoyed the biggest moment of their career to date. The Baa-baa’s though would show their superiority and would dictate the opening scoring through tries from Ollie Robinson, Stephen Shingler and Taichi Takahashi to race to an early 21-0 lead.

Back would come the Whites to the jubilation of the crowd to gain a try of their own through centre Joe Thomas, before Tom Howe would further extend the visitor’s advantage.

Experienced South African wing Hanno Dirkson in his second spell at the Whites crossed for Hugh Gustafson’s men to another massive pop from the crowd almost as jovial as the replenishment of beer in the tents announced prior to the break.

Refreshed at the interval, the crowd roared as Jones led the Whites back onto the field for a 15-minute cameo with both arms’ aplomb to the air. The half would see plenty more action as both sides put on a show for the crowd with a series of breathtaking ball-in-hand end-to-end moves. 

Rey Lee-Lo adding to the Baa-baa’s tally with the comedic moment of Davies converting the extras met with amusement from the home faithful.

The Whites added further scores through Brandon Wood, Matthew Aubrey and a maiden try for Willis Wood, before further tries for the Baa-baa’s were registered through Kirby Myhill as the match came to a conclusion.

Both Jones and Davies would have their moments as rapturous applause echoed across the famous ground, departing into the sunshine separately with emotions running high.

Jones was visibly humbled and caught up in the moment whilst Davies, still capturing the occasion, departed with a huge smile as the curtain came down on his career. 

“It was great to get a good run out in front of my family and friends and have a good send-off. They had all come to watch me play and watch a good game of rugby,” said Davies.

“It is great to see St Helens full. This is what Welsh Rugby has always been about and it would be lovely to see some of the big derbies back.

“It’s been great. I’m not a very emotional man, but I’m sure it will get me in a couple of months’ time when I reflect. It’s time to rest now.”

Barbarians 

Damien Hoyland, Taichi Takahashi, Rey Lee-Lo, Billy Twelvetrees, Alex Wooton, Stephen Shingler, Lewis Jones, Oli Kebble, Kirby Myhill, Enrique Pieretto, Bradley Davies, Alun Wyn Jones, Dan Lydiate, Olly Robinson, Sione Vailanu.

Replacements:

Elvis Taione, D’Arcy Rae, Murray McCallum, Matthew Screech, Sam Cross, Harri Morgan, Lloyd Williams, Billy Searle, Tom Howe

Swansea RFC

Gareth O Rees, Brandon Wood, Joe Thomas, Osian Knott, Matthew Jenkins, James Davies, Gareth J Rees, Tom Sloane (captain), Owen Thomas, Richard Murphy, Lloyd Ashley, Matt Dodd, Jay Williams, Callum Bowden, Joe Greaves

Replacements:

Garan Williams, Ed Thompson, Scott Jenkins, Chris Thompson, Sam Richards, Matthew Aubery, Chris Morgans, Willis Wood, Hanno Dirkson, Tom Crockett.

(Lead image: Richard Bond)