There was barely a dry eye in the house as the greats of Stradey Park strutted their stuff on the hallowed turf one last time.
October 24, 2008 – Llanelli were set to kick off against Bristol in the pool stages of the EDF Energy Cup; the game, though, was but a sideshow.
This was all about paying a fond farewell to one of Welsh rugby’s iconic stadiums, about giving the grand old lady of Llanelli a fitting send-off as the Scarlets prepared for a short move across town to a new state-of-the-art Parc y Scarlets.
Before the game, one by one, former captains and officials were presented to the sell-out crowd packed into the stands and on the Tanner Banc – Delme, Benny, Roy Bergiers, Phil Davies, Derek and Scott Quinnell. The oldest was Handel Greville at the age of 87.
Legendary coach Gareth Jenkins, who had played his part in Llanelli’s greatest day at Stradey against the All Blacks in 1972, was among them and given a special presentation for his service to the club.
Afterwards, he said: “We’ll remember this night forever. It was the occasion we expected it to be. It was a good game, the crowd were magnificent and our heritage was on display.
“Many of the fantastic men of the past who created the tradition we’re so proud of were here.
“It’s had everything. What a fitting occasion to say so-long. What a wonderful night to celebrate what this place has been.”
A report in the following week’s Llanelli Star newspaper, commented: “It was another ‘I was there’ moment for the Stradey faithful. They had come to pay homage to one of the world’s historic club grounds and the atmosphere was suitably reverential.
“There wasn’t the one-eyed passion we have seen when English sides have come over the Bridge in the past, when Leicester and Wasps were sent packing in memorable Heineken Cup outings.
“Instead this was a respectful farewell – even the Bristol players received a standing ovation as they left the turf.”
More than 10,000 witnessed the home side run out comfortable 27-0 victors with North Walian wing Rob Higgitt having the honour of scoring the final Stradey try.
Full-back Morgan Stoddart finished off a classic early score following a trademark break from the mercurial Regan King, while a Simon Easterby try and the boot of Stephen Jones ensured the West Countrymen were never going to gatecrash the party.
At the final whistle, after the fireworks, the choirs, Soban Fach and Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau, fans made their way onto the pitch to collect a patch of grass to go with the memories of a much-loved corner of West Wales that had hosted some of the greats of world rugby and been home to the Scarlets for 129 incredible years.
Scarlets 27 Bristol 0
Tries: M. Stoddart, S. Easterby, R. Higgitt. Cons: S. Jones (3). Pens: Jones (2)
Scarlets: 15. Morgan Stoddart; 14 Rob Higgitt, 13 Regan King, 12 Gavin Evans, 11 Mark Jones; 10 Stephen Jones, 9 Sililo Martens; 1 Iestyn Thomas, 2 Ken Owens, 3 Kees Meeuws, 4 Vernon Cooper, 5 Dominic Day, 6 Nathan Thomas, 7 Simon Easterby (capt), 8 David Lyons.
Replacements: 16 Matthew Rees, 17 Phil John, 18 Dafydd Jones, 19 Johnathan Edwards, 20 Martin Roberts, 21 Ceiron Thomas, 22 Jonathan Davies.
Attendance: 10,800
Referee: David Bodilly (WRU)