At 1.30 pm on Boxing Day, Tenby United RFC will present their annual Christmas fixture at their Heywood Lane ground, a Past XV versus a Present XV.

Many well-known and popular names and faces from both today's team and teams of yesteryear will take to the field in aid of the Gareth Scotcher Trust Fund.

Gareth is a local boy and ex-player of the club who currently suffers from Motor Neurone Disease.

Don't end your Boxing Day after the swim, go straight up to Heywood Lane rugby ground and watch the fun continue.

Nicky Allen, Richard Rossiter, Dean Bowen, Dean Hadley, Gethin Evans, Neil Truman, Goofy, Mike Evans, Chris Evans, Richard James, Robert Hicks, Neil Ralph, Robert (Jazzy) Thomas, Steve Hartland, Gareth Thomas are just a few of the 'old' names already pledging their support for this much-awaited match.

And this year, brothers Eddie and Stuart Lewis will be playing for the first time, which is sure to attract a massive crowd.

In addition, the Mayor, Clr. Mrs. Sue Lane, and her Deputy, Clr. Mrs. Tish Rossiter, have offered to start the game off, along with Jonny Thomas and Tom Shanklin, two local Welsh rugby internationals.

Earlier this week, the Observer spoke with Chris Brace (Niffy) and Matt Evans, of Costal Cottages, who are organising the event, to find out more about this forthcoming fixture.

Tenby Observer: Where did the idea come from about this game?

Niffy: Three years ago, some of the current players were reminiscing about the old Tenby Exiles match that was traditionally held at the club on Boxing Day.

They were all disappointed that this fun fixture had disappeared over the last 12 or 14 years and that a game on Boxing Day used to be the forerunner of a good day out.

This conversation grew during the evening and, with input from some former players, there seemed to be great interest in resurrecting a game on Boxing Day, with a Past v Present theme gaining most interest.

Since the Boxing Day game re-started three years ago, it has grown into a major event, with more and more players wanting to play each year and spectators in the hundreds.

This year, we have changed the theme slightly, with the past team now using the name Tenby Barbarians and a website has been set-up for players to register and also for people to make donations - http://www.tenbybarbarians.com">www.tenbybarbarians.com

A big thank you to Matt Evans, of Costal Cottages, who has again, for the third year running, kindly offered to be the main sponsor of the big event.

In connection with the new name Tenby Barbarians, Matt has purchased new shirts for them to wear on the day, which I am sure will impress all!

Tenby Observer: What is the Gareth Scotcher Trust Fund all about?

Niffy: Gareth is a popular and well-known local lad and ex-player of Tenby United. He has unfortunately been diagnosed with motor neurone disease and to assist him, a group of friends and family have formed the Gareth Scotcher Trust Fund to raise money to ensure that Gareth and his family receive the very best possible care available.

The money raised from the entrance fee, which is only £1 for adults and free to children, will go towards the fund, along with generous donations that have been pledged.

Tenby Observer: After the match, what will be happening back at the clubhouse?

Matt: A buffet will be provided by the rugby club for all players and the game will be shown on the large screen.

During the re-run of the match, the players, families and supporters can pick over any contentious incidents and moments of sheer brilliance that I am sure will have occurred during the game.

Also meeting up with players old and new, talking over old rugby games will give the club that traditional rugby club buzz.

All players that register and pay their £10 fee will get to keep their rugby shirt.

Niffy: Already there are many personal wars of words taking place between many of the Tenby Barbarians and Present XV squad; some scores look to be settled on the pitch on Boxing Day I am certain, but all in good fun.

Lee Tucker, Tenby United's current 1st XV captain has stated to me that this year they are going to 'take us down'. I think that means take us down to the 'kebab shop', judging by the size of the stomachs of Penfold, Mark Brace and himself, and I have to congratulate Turbo for supporting his girlfriend through her pregnancy; it was hard to tell which one was carrying the baby.

The two Beynon brothers will also be reunited in the same team, Ginger and Louie (as long as Louie can get permission from Phil Rees). It's so long ago that these two brothers played in the same team, John the Baptist was the ref, with Moses and Noah as linesmen.

I am also aware that many of the Tenby Barbarians have been working hard on their fitness levels in recent weeks and some have even had some real match practice after playing for our 2nd XV in their last couple of matches. It is all building up to be quite an occasion and I urge all those with an interest in Tenby United RFC and rugby football in general to come along and witness what will be a memorable and worthwhile game of rugby and a very worthwhile fund-raiser.

Matt: We would both like to thank all the people in advance for either playing or coming to support the event and the people who are helping on the day.

We look forward to seeing you all at Heywood Lane on Boxing Day. Don't forget, kick-off is at 1.30 pm - make sure you are there earlier to get a good spot.

FOOTNOTE: Check out our Christmas Evev issue for a sneak preview of the new Tenby Barbarians shirts.