Reviews

This book is a must-read for any Llanelli Scarlets rugby fan as it charters that famous day, a date etched in history -- 31 October 1972, when the mighty All Blacks, one of the most famous rugby sides in the world, were beaten at Llanelli. In his book Alun Gibbard highlights his own experience as a 12-year-old on his way to the biggest match in his history and watching his heroes playing the New Zealand All Blacks. The excitement and the joy as the final whistle was blown, with the scoreboard showing Llanelli 9 All Blacks 3, is vividly portrayed. He then goes on to interview many of the famous players who wore the red jersey that day, hearing their tales and learning how Delme Thomas, the captain, gave an inspired speech that lifted the team's spirits. The only player not available for interview was Ray Gravell, who has sadly passed away, and he was one of the key inspirations for the Scarlets. The book also gives the fans' view of their unique day and you would have thought there were over 100,000 at the game and not the 20,000 who were actually present, as everyone of a certain generation in Wales seems to exclaim, 'I was there'. Needless to say, the pubs ran dry in many a watering hole in Llanelli that night! What the book highlights, in this modern world of excessive salaries for sportsmen and women, is the loyalty and pride shown by the fifteen heroes and their great coach Carwyn James for the Scarlets and the sense of unity that secured their defeat of probably the greatest team in world rugby. An enjoyable and nostalgic read for all Scarlets fans and a well-written and warm reminiscence of that historic event of 31 October 1972. Clive Davies It is possible to use this review for promotional purposes, but the following acknowledgment should be included: A review from www.gwales.com, with the permission of the Welsh Books Council. Gellir defnyddio'r adolygiad hwn at bwrpas hybu, ond gofynnir i chi gynnwys y gydnabyddiaeth ganlynol: Adolygiad oddi ar www.gwales.com, trwy ganiatad Cyngor Llyfrau Cymru. -- Welsh Books Council