Jonathan's mad about rugby
Jonathan Clout is another of the talented breed of young sportsmen breaking through in Pembrokeshire who at 14 years of age has rugby as his main sport but also competes in cricket, football and athletics in his spare time.
He set out in the oval ball game from the time he was six, after a bit of a false start where his dad Jeff took him to a training session at Haverfordwest RFC and he wasn't over-impressed. But a he gave it a second bash a few months later, really enjoyed himself and has been playing ever since!
He and dad Jeff, a well-known former Blues' player and rugby coach with Haverfordwest and the county junior set-up, used to throw a ball around in the garden and he has also received every support from mum Tanya and younger sister Zoe as he developed his game through tag rugby, where he was part of the clubs under eight cup-winning side as a seven year old, and then settled into his regular role as prop from there on.
“With his build he was never going to be a winger,†says Jeff with a chuckle – and Jonathan nods in agreement!
Playing a year ahead –
and scoring a try at Parc y Scarlets
By the time he was ten Jonathan Was playing up a year in the county under 11s team so he was coached for two years by Kenny Davies, and then Jeff, Mark Hamer and Mackie Davies took over the reins as the county team went on a tour to Spain and France, where they beat Barcelona (who had a few over-age players) and Perpignan, with the rest of the 60-strong party cheering them on.
Jonathan scored his first try for the county in a match against Afan Nedd at Llangwm, and he clearly enjoys playing at Parc y Scarlets because in three matches he has scored two tries – but it was also the scene of a real disappointment where he learned that some of his best pals in the county team, who play for Whitland, suddenly found that they had to play for Carmarthenshire instead of Pembrokeshire as before!
There has also been success at Haverfordwest because he has captained the young Blues throughout his time there, and they have won the county final for their age group on play-off day three times in four years. Narberth have been their main rivals and once knocked them out in the semi-finals – but Jonathan & Co edged through by 13-12 against their old rivals in one of the best finals played last season at Crymych.
Other sports
Outside of his rugby, Jonathan also plays cricket for Hook Juniors and the club's second team led by David Petrie. He bats in the middle order and has a top score of 26, although his average is boosted by a few not outs.
Jonathan also putts the shot in athletics and enjoyed himself at Pembrokeshire Harriers but the training sessions clashed with his rugby.
He took up football almost by accident when Prendergast Villa under 14s, run as well as ever by Mike 'Glenys' Davies, found themselves without a goalkeeper and Richard Frank asked Jonathan if he would play.
“He said I was big enough to cope and played rugby so must have a safe pair of hands,†said Jonathan. “So I gave it a go and didn't make too many mistakes because we won the league and cup double, but I don't think I would ever be a goalie instead of a rugby player,†he admitted with a laugh!
Disappointing start to new season
Back on the rugby front, Jonathan was really looking forward to the start of the new campaign but in an early training session for the county on the Tasker-Milward School Field he fractured his ankle in an on-pitch accident where he fell awkwardly in a tackle.
He was helped by Dave Cook and now has the foot and lower leg neatly encased in a special strapped medical boot and expects to be out for up to six weeks.
By then he will be eager to get back into action and pursue his favourite sport, where he eventually hopes to be involved even more, perhaps with his beloved Scarlets if the chance ever came.
But in the meanwhile he is happy to carry on being involved with Haverfordwest and Pembrokeshire and improving his front-row skills. And there is one thing for sure – if application and determination are anything to go by, PembrokeshireSport.co.uk is confident that we are sure to hear more about Jonathan Clout in the future because this modest and likeable young feller is ready to do his best at all times!
PHOTOS:
Jonathan Clout
Jonathan on the burst
Jonathan tidies up
Delighted skipper Jonathan Clout!