THERE will be no excuses for Ben Watkins if he fluffs his lines when giving his retirement speech tomorrow afternoon.
The 38-year-old lock, who has also played for Newport, Ebbw Vale, Tredegar and Caerphilly, will hang up his boots after Cross Keys’ clash with Swansea at Pandy Park.
And this time Watkins, who has retired more times than George Foreman, is pledging that tomorrow will be the last time he steps out on to the pitch.
The week in, week out slog of training and playing has taken his toll on his body and with two children, Sarie and Oliver, to look after he has decided to call it quits.
He said: “I came here for one last season about eight years ago! I have kept saying ‘one more season,’ but this time it is it, I am finally retiring.
“The body has told me that it is time to call it a day especially with all the big lumps from the academies out there – 14 stones in the second row isn’t going to get you very far!
“I have enjoyed this season but it has been tough and has convinced me it is time to give up.
“I will miss the camaraderie, the trips away and having a place to vent your frustrations but it has become a bit of a struggle if I am honest and it is time to move on.
“There have been plenty of highlights. I have played in Europe, beaten the Barbarians when with Newport and then keeping Cross Keys up year in, year out against clubs who have a lot more money to spend. There are so many good memories.”
Watkins, a carpenter by trade, has been the perfect role model for the younger members of the Keys pack with his honest work around the paddock and proficiency in the lineout.
But what now for the 38-year-old? He certainly has the experience to pass on plenty of top tips to the next generation.
Unfortunately something is in the pipeline that’s more frightening than Jonah Lomu in full flight.
“Maybe I’ll do a bit of Latin dancing to keep myself fit and use up those spare hours on a Thursday night,” he said.
The prospect of Watkins strutting his stuff in a shiny shirt certainly gives reason to hope he has second thoughts about retiring… again!
Cross Keys: R Lee, M Johnstone, C Pocock, M Pewtner, N Trowbridge, G David, O Jones, R Cornock, R Emms, C Gould, M Curtis, B Watkins, T Lampard, R Nash, J Groves. Replacements from: L Burns, N Hall, J Price, J Faletau, W Johnstone, J Bird, J Leadbeater, D Langdon, R James.
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