Profile

Born in Ammanford, South Wales, Evan Davies first played for the local Trimble club, before moving on to Llanelli. During his time with the “scarlets” he made it to the Welsh trial game of 1911. He was approached by Oldham and agreed to come North only if a place could also be found for his friend Tom Williams. This was agreed and the two of them made their debut in the wing positions against Broughton Rangers on December 9th, 1911.

Whereas Williams would continue to become a successful winger, Davies would convert to be one of the greatest centres in the history of the club. He became a first team regular, but fell victim to a serious illness that almost ended his career in 1913. Happily he recovered only for the first World War to again temporarily interrupt his progress. On returning to first team football in 1919, Evan then displayed his best form and won a place on the 1920 tour. He suffered from a “poisoned” toe on the outward journey and had to sit out the Australian section, but recovered to play in all the New Zealand leg of the tour, except for one match, including all three tests. In 1921-22 he was centre to Reg Farrar and the combined skills of the elusive Davies with the well timed pass and the pacy, determined, Farrar produced 67 tries for the Oldham left wing partnership.

Very much a veteran, he was still in the team that won the Challenge Cup in 1925 and showed a touch of his old form when sweeping in for the final try of the match in the 16 – 3 victory over Hull K.R. Thirty years on and another “Davies” would thrill the Watersheddings crowds and I’m sure as young Alan made his way into the senior side, the older supporters would have drawn comparison between the two.