ROGER DRABBLE 07.01.1983

75 Up For Jay Owens

Jay Owens – our utility back – is due to make his 75th 1st XV appearance against Wellington today and if so, will be awarded his blazer badge.

Jay came through our mini and junior section and graduated to the Colts and made his 1st XV debut in the Somerset Cup match at Taunton in November 2013. His 1st XV appearances over the next season were somewhat spasmodic – partly due to injuries but he assisted our United XV to an unbeaten season when they gained promotion to Somerset Premier. Jay has shown his versatility by playing in most of the back positions but appears mainly in the centre and occasionally at stand-off – like last week at Wadebridge Camels. In another outing in the No. 10 shirt at Crediton in 2019/20, his four penalties and conversation secured a narrow victory and we were grateful for his involvement. He has also proved to be a sound defensive centre and is developing a useful pairing with Lewis Pleece in the middle. He possesses good tactical nous and has upped his appearances over the last few seasons. Although one of our more precocious players, he keeps the off-field momentum of the side bubbling with his insight, intrigue and enquiring mind.

We hope that he will be adding to these appearances during the next few seasons and will be looking ahead to perhaps a cap at some stage.

WILL KERRY – 50 AT WADEBRIDGE

Will Kerry made his 50th appearance at Wadebridge Camels last Saturday and he can look back over 11 years to his debut in October 2011. After making his debut then, Will assisted our United XV but made 16 appearances in the 2012/13 season and 13 in the next season before there was a gap in his profile but he has returned with some relish this season. His versatility has assisted the club considerably this season as he is able to play at any of the back positions outside of scrum-half and it was at full-back on Saturday at Wadebridge where he clinched his 50th appearance – albeit he had to come off injured early in the second half. Will is the type of player everyone needs in their club. He is a willing and happy to fit in to various positional requirements and that is a tribute in itself. Unlike Messrs Owens and Drabble who reach notable landmarks today, Will does not have any survivors from the XV on his debut – although it is always interesting to review who was playing at that time. Happy memories and hopefully more to come for our dedicated player. Will’s brother James made 15 appearances in the 1st XV up to the 2012/13 season.

XV on debut:-

Francis; Okeyan Allen Basson W Kerry; Pippard DSO Griffin; Childs Johnson Spellisey Kemmish Blundell Smith Hastie Ball. Rep: Walker. Scorers: Spellisey (T) Allen (T) Pippard (P 2C).

James Collings appeared for the 70th time last week and is next in line for honours.

Karolis Urbonas made his 49th appearance at Wadebridge but sadly damaged a shoulder – an injury from which he had only just recovered and was making his way back. He may have to wait for his 50th appearance. Cwmbran-born Tom Hopkins now stands on 45 appearances and should make the 50 mark early next season subject to any further cup matches which may ensue this season.