Season 1954 was an historic landmark in the history of the Llandeilo Club for they became members of the West Wales Rugby Union. Some of the pioneers who had been fighting for this higher status were persons such as Don Jones, David Hughes, Elfryn Thomas, W. J. Harries and Reg Butt.
But their progress in the West Wales Rugby Union has not matched up to expectations and the last ten years have produced most disappointing displays with more games being lost than won. In1969-70 they only managed 41 points in18 championship games which itself was a record until Pontardawe broke it two years later.
Failure to field a regular side also contributed to some of the records which they set up in the same year. Hendy, for example, scored 77 points against them without reply on 15th November 1969 at Hendy. This was a West Wales record until Pontardawe came on the scene. But Hendy was not the only side to score over 70 points against them that season. Kidwelly also managed the same feat for they defeated them by 71 points to nil at Kidwelly in their penultimate champion-ship game of the season.
But there was a vast improvement the following season with some very close results. After defeating Vardre United at home by 9 points to 3 in their opening championship game of the season, they won their third championship point when they held Burry Port to a pointless draw at home. Skewen, Morriston and Llandybie defeated them by just three points to nil.
Season 1971 -72 was their best for many years, for that year they ended with five victories and 11 championship points with Pontyberem, Penygroes, Llangennech and Ystalyfera (twice) being defeated. The last time which they completed the double was against Ystalyfera.
But during this intervening period, the club celebrated two important landmarks. In 1969, Llandeilo's new clubhouse was opened. This is situated not far from their ground and the Old Victoria Hotel was renovated into a modern club house which was a joint venture with the local cricket club.
There had been talk but no action for many years in Llandeilo about obtaining their own clubhouse but the three persons who kept on about having a home of their own were Alun Lewis, Dudley Lewis and Glyn Beynon. Mr Ivor Jones who was President of the Welsh Rugby Union carried out the official opening.
But the most important landmark in the history of the Llandeilo club came just a couple of years later when they celebrated their centenary and in so doing, they became the first West Wales club to do so.
To mark the occasion, Llandeilo played against a Welsh Rugby Union President's XV which had been selected by Rhys E. Williams. The two teams which played on that day, Tuesday llth April, 1972 were, for Llandeilo: Wyn Evans, Gwyn Lewis, Robert Evans, Ross Beynon, Philip Thomas, Warren Davies, Chris Webb, John Gwynne, Glyn Jones, Ivan Kirkup, Andrew Plowman, Malcolm Jones, Raymond Thomas, Keri Bowyer and Lloyd Williams.
The President's XV were: Don Davies (Tycroes), Viv Jenkins (Bridgend), Roy Bergiers (Llanelli), W. Billy Raybould (Bridgend), John Bevan (Cardiff), Lyndon Thomas (Bridgend), Wyn Jenkins (Bridgend), Chris Charles (Llanelli), John Lloyd (Bridgend), Mel James (Swansea), Steve Thomas (Bridgend), Robert Thomas
(W.S.S.R.U.), Clive Dyer (South Wales Police), John Mansfield (Bristol University) and Tom David (Pontypridd). The result of the game was a win for the visiting team who won by 46 points to 3with wing John Bevan scoring four excellent tries. Llandeilo's three points came from a penalty goal by Warren Davies
Since their centenary, the most significant developments which have occurred at the club is the fact that the Llandeilo Athletic Club which is run jointly by the local rugby and cricket club did some two years ago purchase Cae William which comprises of one rugby field and cricket field with sufficient area in which to extend the outfield on the cricket area and also place a second rugby playing area. This has cost something in excess of £25,000 a fine achievement as the Athletic Club has only been in being since 1969.
With more players being available to play each week, a second XV was formed tour years ago, and two seasons ago they joined the Llanelli and District League which comprises of some thirty odd second teams.
An important milestone was reached during this year when Llandeilo played Le Conquet, their twin town in Brittany, France. It is hoped to make a return visit to them towards the end of next season.
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