The largest gathering of members and supporters for some time enjoyed the 2010 annual dinner and presentations evening at the Nantyffin, Llandissilio last Saturday, no doubt attracted by Justin Marshall's attendance as main speaker.
Compere for the evening was Athletic team coach Mathew Davies who has a reputation for producing surprises with his humour etc.
Mathew commenced by giving a Wilkpedia-type presentation of chief guest, All Black Justin Marshall, rugby CV which takes some beating.
He has played 81 internationals. First capped in 1995 captained New Zealand on a Great Britain tour in 1997, he scored more tries than any other All Black scrum-half (24).
His last games were against the British and Irish Lions on their 2005 tour.
He joined Leeds in Guinness Premiership in 2005, moving to the Ospreys for two seasons, then to Montpelier in France and this season with Saracens in Guinness Premiership. His final game in the UK is tomorrow (Saturday) in the Guinness Premier final Saracens v Leicester game.
The presentation evening, planned by the ladies of the social committee, moved at quite a pace.
The first speaker, chairman John Owen, thanked Sioned Gibby for being the main organiser of the evening, and sponsors, G. D. Harries and Young Brothers, in particular Mansel Young.
He thanked Bill Ridge for match day sponsorship, the support of the management committee, the hard-working rugby committee, the social committee. Also the supporters club who had raised £5,000 for the club during the season, and the staff at the club, in particular steward Anne Lonsdale and supporters, including the Templeton contingent.
Then followed several presentations, which this year were split into two sections, keeping Justin Marshall busy.
Next up was head coach Jonathon Dodd with a review of the past season. He summarised it as a mixed season by recent standards.
The 1sts lost five out of the first six games, with numerous injuries playing a major part. Good performances were achieved against Whitland away and Pontypool in the cup.
However, it was a very average season by Narberth standards. Four players were consistent throughout the season namely Gareth Bateman, Adrian Killa, Alex Jenkins and Justin Hughes, who received the Player of the Year award.
Jon Dodd ended his review with acknowledgements for the excellent work with the Youth by Jon Chinn and Bobby Simons and to Mathew Davies and John Hodgeon for their efforts during a difficult season for the Athletic.
He thanked the support team for their commitment and hard work and the members of the rugby committee.
Over the past seven years, he has come to understand and appreciate their efforts stating 'it is what club rugby is all about'.
He pointed out that whilst disappointed that the 1st XV ended in sixth position; it could quite easily have been second position in the league had they won the last few games.
Next was Youth coach Jon Chinn who identified his aim as wanting the Youth enjoy the challenge and continue their development so that when they move up to senior rugby they would succeed.
He appealed for more support from within the club and in the surrounding district to help and support the youngsters.
He was most appreciative of the support from officials, club staff, development coach Kenny Davies, Kevin Smith, first aid, and team manager Joan Thomas.
One of the highlights of the evening was coach Clive James's appreciation of the successful Under 16s team who won their junior final recently at Neyland .
During the year, five players played for the Scarlets, Will Lewis, Gareth Owen, Mathew Richards and two who were capped by Wales, namely Connor Lloyd and Sion Bennett.
Sion captained the Scarlets all season and captained the Wales Under 16s in their games. Their Welsh caps were presented to them by Justin Marshall to huge applause.
This was followed with an announcement by vice-chairman Dorian Phillips that the management committee had passed a resolution to be placed before the annual general meeting to recommend that John Owen be made a life member of Narberth RFC.
He thanked Mark Roberts, a local entrepreneur for bringing Justin Marshall to the area for the Narberth RFC annual dinner.
In introducing Justin Marshall, Mathew Davies gave the those present, details of Justin's impressive rugby background.
Justin responded indicating how the evening had taken him back in time to his grass roots and how important to the professional players was grass root rugby, which they would forget at their peril.
He pleased all the ladies by complimenting them on their natural beauty and appearances.
He felt it was awesome to spend the evening amongst Narberth RFC and felt privileged to be able to return to Wales.
It is now five years since he retired from the All Blacks and the time has been well spent and he could not have wished for better experiences.
Referring to his first time as an All Black, he used another All Black Zinzan Brooke as an example of how young players learn so much from experienced, older players and that the younger players should benefit as they move forward through the teams and years.
He introduced a local perspective in stating how privileged and proud he was that his son was able to sing the Welsh national anthem at Pennard School on the Gower and shortly, when Wales tour New Zealand, Dorian Phillips's daughter will sing the anthem at the internationals.
For him, it will be a reminder of the memories of Wales and his visit to the Narberth area which has been an absolute privilege.
There followed a question and answer session.
He ended by again thanking the club for inviting him to a memorable evening.
Justin then spend time meeting personally some of those present interacting with them, signing autographs and eventually joining the revellers on the dance floor. It had been a really memorable and successful evening.