There are times in one’s life when you think back to people or occasions that changed your life. A special teacher who gave you that important word of wisdom, your first job, being taken to see your first rugby match, getting married, and so I could go on.

In rugby, for many people there are occasions that stand out. I’m sure England winning the 2003 World Cup in Australia is one for example. Without question, one of those occasions, excluding Erica Roe’s fine display at Twickenham, is Gareth Edward’s try for the Barbarians at the old Cardiff Arms Park against New Zealand in 1973. It started with those lightening sidesteps by Phil Bennett before Edward’s latches on to the ball to go over in the corner. According to Gareth over 6m people were packed into the Arms park that day!!

I think it is fair to say, the now Sir Gareth Edwards was truly one of the great players of his generation, or any generation. In fact as a sportsman he stands proudly amongst giants, Muhammad Ali, Billy Jean King, Tiger Woods. He played 195 games for Cardiff, 53 times for Wales, 10 times for The Lions (‘71 and ‘74) and 11 times for the Barbarians. It was the latter in a roundabout way that brought him to Steel Cross yesterday ahead of the much awaited derby between our good friends Heathfield & Waldron and ourselves.

Gareth had travelled up from his home in Porthcawl that morning at the invitation of Stuart Thresher, ex Quins, England A, Barbarians. The story goes that Stuart played twice for the Barbarians, once in a 7s tournament when he wore the fabled No.9 shirt. On a whim he was desperate to get the shirt signed by Sir Gareth and somewhat tongue in cheek invited him to Crowborough to do so. Amazingly Gareth accepted and the rest is history. Crowborough President, David Clark, gave his usual erudite welcome speech highlighting a few members achievements. Peter Morris Welsh swimmer featuring in the Commonwealth Games and Moscow Olympics, and then the brother of one England international. To be honest that isn’t an achievement that is a quirk of fate.

Stuart then related his story about playing in the shirt and the idea of getting Gareth to sign it. It was most amusing and informative.

‘That’ try was shown on the big screen allowing Gareth to regale us with his experience of the day plus other tales such as the ‘71 Lions tour to New Zealand. There was plenty of amusing stories to be had. Phil Bennett talking about his knees, his hips, his shoulders and then going on to say all Edwards got was an OBE, MBE, then CBE plus a ‘bloody knighthood’. He reaffirmed the often held belief the pass was meant for Tommy David, who allegedly rings him regularly to moan about the fact.

During the day nothing was too much trouble. I was lucky enough to chat with him about our previous meeting many years ago, and share a photo of him as young man surrounded by a group of ladies, including my dear old mum. Looking at the plethora of photos from the day, it was clear there will be many more of Sir Gareth doing the rounds on the various social media platforms.

There was a surprise at the end of proceedings as Gareth presented to the club a framed painting of him going over in the corner for ‘that’ try. I expect there will be a place found for the painting and the shirt.

It was sad we lost on the day to Heathfield & Waldron but having Sir Gareth present was amazing, as was how the club was presented, and the food. Thank you to Louise, Ryan, Jacqui and all the staff for such a tremendous day. A huge thank you to Stuart.

Oh, and yes, as a 17 year old schoolboy, ‘I was there!’