PERHAPS it was the 94 caps for Wales and two Lions tours that convinced head coach Gareth Bennett to give 39-year-old Mike Phillips the nod at scrum-half for Whitland RFC at the weekend.

In a rare appearance for the side where it all started for him, ex-Scarlets, Cardiff Blues and Racing 92 player Phillips lined up for Whitland's crunch match against a strong Aberystwyth side in the WRU Plate.

Western Telegraph: Mike Phillips dictates play in Whitland's win over Aberystwyth. Photo Paul Rodgers Mike Phillips dictates play in Whitland's win over Aberystwyth. Photo Paul Rodgers

Regular Whitland scrum-half Josh Thomas was more than happy to let Phillips dictate play on Saturday afternoon with local reports saying Phillips had mentioned he felt fitter now than he had on previous Lions tours when he was carrying injuries.

It meant Aberystwyth would be up against a rip roaring internationally acclaimed cog in the Green Machine, but Phillips not only motivated his team mates he clearly motivated the opponents who went in at half-time 12-5 up.

Phillips wasn't just at the Parc Llwyn-Ty-Gwyn to sign autographs and give the fans a bit of nostalgia - when full stadiums packed out to watch a young Phillips lead Whitland Youth to Pembrokeshire Cup success - the former Lion was there to play rugby, making three massive hits as well as a try scoring pass to help Whitland roar back to a 26-17 win.

Western Telegraph: It was noted that Phillips stayed behind almost an hour after the game to meet fansIt was noted that Phillips stayed behind almost an hour after the game to meet fans

Treasure of the club Paul Kirk described Phillips' affect on the team by saying his physicality and presence was more important than anything, slotting in comfortably into the back row and making game winning passes and hits.

When this reporter phoned around and asked about Phillips time at Whitland two names propped up in his development before being snapped up by the Scarlets, with Barrie Proctor and Roy Newton mentioned. So it was fitting that Phillips played alongside Roy's son, number 10, Scott Newton on the day.

Newton put in a powerful performance alongside Phillips, focused on the match despite the distractions of a superstar in town.

Western Telegraph: It was fitting that Roy Newton's son Scott lined up next to the ex-ScarletIt was fitting that Roy Newton's son Scott lined up next to the ex-Scarlet

Phillips was back in Whitland to promote his new book Half Truths: My Triumphs, My Mistakes, My Untold Story, having a Q&A session with club patrons on Friday, and then rolling back the years on Saturday.

The match ball was auctioned off and raised over £700 for breast cancer.

Secretary of the club Suzzanne Davies said the town was 'buzzing' go see Phillips.

"It reminded us of the old days when we got hundreds of fans," said Suzzanne.

"It was lovely to see the whole town buzzing and it was lovely to see such a crowd from everywhere. It was just fantastic."

*All photos by Paul Rodgers