Wales Masters gave a debut cap to Andrew Mogford tonight, who at 68 years and 331 days old becomes the oldest player to ever pull on a Wales shirt.
When he took to the field at Cardiff Arms Park tonight, he overtook John Doyle who was 65 years and 278 days old when he last won a Wales Wheelchair cap.
Mogford was emotional when he received his playing shirt and cap before the game. Huddersfield born, his father was from Neath and was always telling stories about being brought up in Wales.
He said: “My dad would have been so proud. I wore his photo underneath my sleeve tonight.
“He was always saying about how he used to go down to Cardiff Arms Park to watch matches, so if he could see me here playing today, it would have been fantastic for him. I’m sure he was looking down at me playing.
“Playing for Wales tonight is the highlight of my career. I played amateur rugby league in the past, I’m now playing for Chester Gladiators and GB Police in Masters Rugby League and that’s opened up my life again, but tonight was something else.”
Every game in Masters Rugby League ends 0-0 and in the international game, it’s no different.
Wales may have scored three tries to Canada’s nil but in this version of the game, played by over 35s and adapted rules for the age groups, it’s all about the spirit of the game, the social aspect and improving mental health.
Canada were kept in their own half for the first seven minutes and Wales were eventually rewarded.
Gethin Morgan was held up over the line, Mogford was stopped short as he nearly became Wales’ oldest ever try scorer, before Tino Williams finally scored the first try. Peter O’Sullivan added the second try on 16 minutes.
That was it until five minutes into the second half when Morgan sprinted 20 metres for Wales’ third try.
Then came the most important aspect of the day, retiring to the bar where everyone could buy a drink for their opposite number.
If you want to get involved in Masters, there are clubs all around Wales. If you’d like to join us or set up your own Masters team or find out more, get in touch with Chris Thomas at masters@walesrugbyleague.co.uk
