Memories of the 1926 Scarlets v Maoris match

There are probably only a handful of people left who could use the Max Boyce quote, “I was there!”
But readers will still be interested in these memories of the 1926 match between the Llanelli Scarlets and the New Zealand Maoris.
The memories are stirred by the discovery of two pieces of memorabilia – a postcard photo signed by the then Llanelli captain, Ivor Jones, and the menu card from the after-match banquet held at The Stepney Hotel (now sadly demolished) in Llanelli town centre.
The 1926-27 touring side, captained by Walter Barclay (a holder of the Military Medal) is still considered by rugby historians to be the best ever Maori team.
In a seven-month tour which took place in Australia, Ceylon, France, Wales and Canada, the side played 38 matches, winning 29, losing seven and drawing two.
The achievements were all the more remarkable when it is considered that the legendary full-back George Nepia was left at home after missing the boat from Wellington!
The match against Llanelli was one of the defeats suffered by the Maoris.
It took place on November 13, 1926, Llanelli winning 3-0 through a try scored by Sid Hay.
The Llanelli team contained legends Ivor Jones, Ernie Finch and Albert Jenkins.
The importance of the memorabilia to this household comes in the fact that one of the players, Cyril Jenkins (pictured below), was the great-uncle of my wife Carol.

The match details were recorded by the late Gareth Hughes in ‘The Scarlets’, his excellent history of Llanelli Rugby Club.
Mr Hughes wrote –
The build-up to the match against the New Zealand Maoris was not encouraging, with the club losing more matches (in the season) than they won.
However, Llanelli rose magnificently to the occasion, repeating their triumph against the 1888 Maoris as a result of a try scored by right wing Sid Hay (in those days a try was worth three points).
The Maoris had already drawn with Newport and defeated both Swansea and Cardiff.
When the teams fielded, it looked as if the Maoris did not intend to give their war-cry, but Albert Jenkins spoke to them and they at once agreed to the request – to the delight of the crowd.
Llanelli owed their victory to the fact that Albert Jenkins and Tom Evans tackled with great effect in midfield.
The Llanelli team was – Ewart Thomas, Sid Hay, Tom Evans, Albert Jenkins, Ernie Finch, Dai John, Cyril Jenkins, Ivor Jones (captain), Alf Parker, Fred Harries, Emrys Griffiths, Bobbie Evans, Rees Thomas, Watcyn Thomas and Harry Morris.