Owens supporting a piece of Scarlets history

Llanelli-based logistics company Owens marked the 40thanniversary of the Llanelli RFC victory over the All Blacks as main sponsor to the 1972 Celebration Dinner, highlighting the support for rugby in the local region.

The Scarlets are grateful for the support from Owens as main sponsor for the 1972 Celebration Dinner on Wednesday October 31st, which celebrated the 40thanniversary of the memorable victory of Llanelli RFC over the touring New Zealand All Blacks.

The 9-3 Llanelli victory is one of the most talked about games in Welsh rugby history, and the celebrations were a mark of the heritage and respect of this global rugby event, which firmly established Llanelli on the world rugby map 40 years ago.

Owens, located on the Dafen Industrial Estate in the proximity of Parc y Scarlets, are the UK leaders in Warehousing and Distribution and have experienced consistent growth over 40 years of work. Owens are a fitting sponsor since they are also celebrating their 40thanniversary this year.

Established in 1972 by brothers Huw and Eurof Owen, the company shares a history as long as the famous victory over the All Blacks. Originally known as Owens Brothers, they began haulage operations from Llanelli with one van, transporting furniture.

The company now employs around 500 people based out of depots in Llanelli, Port Talbot, Bridgend, Newport, Droitwich and Wrexham but fiercely retains a local, family and community ethos. Its blue lorries are now a familiar sight on Welsh roads.

The glittering evening dinner, held in the aptly-named Canolfan Delme Thomas indoor arena, reunited the 1972 team and included a mini Stradey Park pitch as its centre-piece to celebrate the glory days of the famous old ground.

A number of special guests were part of the 1,200 people who attended the dinner, with New Zealand Rugby Union President Bryan Williams, who played in the match, joining the 1972 Llanelli team and a number of Llanelli players from the club’s history, as well as WRU President Dennis Gethin and First Minister Carwyn Jones.

On the night a silent auction was held with some sensational one-off items, including two of the original Llanelli jerseys from the 1972 game recently signed by the Llanelli team. A total of £26,000 was raised for the Ray Gravell and Friends Charitable Trust.

Whatever the generation of rugby supporter in West Wales, the 9-3 All Blacks game has a special place in Scarlets Rugby history. The score line itself has become part of Welsh rugby folklore, with Max Boyce using it as the title of his classic take on that famous win. Max himself was present for the memorable evening, for which he will be able to say in years to come “I was there.”

Commenting on the event, Managing Director Huw Owen said: “This year the company celebrates its 40thanniversary and what could be more fitting than for us to commemorate the occasion in conjunction with a landmark event in the town’s history. We were delighted therefore and extremely proud and privileged to be the main sponsors for the 9-3 celebration dinner.

“In common with the rugby club the company has had to adapt to an ever changing environment. We may not have achieved the legendary status of the team of 1972 but we are nonetheless proud of our connections with the towns past and we are passionate about our part in its future.”

Scarlets Managing Director Mark Davies said: “It is particularly special that Owens, our main event sponsor, are actually celebrating their own 40thanniversary in business this year, no doubt having been inspired to take on the intensely competitive world of haulage and logistics by that performance on an October evening that truly showed what can be achieved.”

For more information on Owens, visit their website: www.owens-logistics.com