Steve Winn 100th Game

1st January 2010

When centre Steve Winn came off the bench at Bristol on New New Year's Day he was making his 100th appearance for the club.

When centre Steve Winn came off the bench at Bristol on New New Year's Day he was making his 100th appearance for the club.

Steve joined the Pirates from Gwent Dragons in 2006 and made his debut in a friendly against Ebbw Vale at Penzance

However, it was not the first time that he had played on the Mennaye Field, having played there twice before against the Pirates in pre-season encounters with the Dragons.

An experienced midfield performer, who has played for Wales 'A', Steve has safe hands, shown himself to be deceptively quick, and although not the biggest is always very solid in the tackle area.

Educated at Maesteg Comprehensive School, an establishment that has produced international players the calibre of Gwyn Evans and Alan Bateman, Steve played for Bridgend and then Maesteg Celtic Youth before rejoining Bridgend.

In 2003 rugby in Wales went controversially regional, 'Winny' joining one of the five provincial regions, the Gwent Dragons, who he played for until his switch to the Cornish Pirates.

During his career he has amassed various honours, and played with and against many of the best.

Interestingly, a look back in time also reveals that during his time at Bridgend he played against Tonga – with one Viliami Ma'asi in opposition. Also, when playing for Wales U21s against New Zealand U21s a certain Tim Cowley hounded him about the field, whilst former Pirates lock Joe Beardshaw played against Steve in an England U21s v Wales U21s match, besides also facing each other later in a Swansea v Wasps European Cup tie.

Having been involved playing rugby since the introduction of professionalism, Steve is enjoying the game as much now as when he started.

He was delighted to have deservedly won the Pirates 'The President's Cup' at the end of the 2007-08 season for being, in the opinion of the club President, the most outstanding contributor on the field during the season, and he'll be equally proud to have now reached the 100 games milestone.

For someone who has always given 100%, has been a fearless tackler and has also scored the occasional important try for the Pirates, supporters will wish him hearty congratulations!