The WRU Plate clash at Parc Llwyn Ty Gwyn saw hundreds of fans turn out with Phillips the main attraction as he made a dramatic return to the field.
The 39-year-old had a glittering 16-year playing career in which he won 94 caps for Wales and made five Test appearances for the British & Irish Lions.
He also played for Cardiff, Ospreys, Scarlets, Sale, Racing 92 and Bayonne.
But it was the club he started at as a boy that he represented on Saturday and he did enough to help his team to a narrow win which meant the world to him.
“It was nice to be back,” Phillips said afterwards.
“It was a big game and a big performance from the boys.
“Fair play, the skill level from the boys was really impressive.
“I tried to avoid contact a few times but then there were times when I thought I was 19 again and got a bit carried away!
“The legs were good. I’ve been doing a fair bit of training but it’s just the shock from the hits. I’ll always back myself!
“It was nice to get my hands on the ball again. The boys are really skilful and they play a good brand of rugby. It’s a quality set-up here so it was enjoyable.”
Mike Phillips came out of retirement to feature for Whitland
I tried to avoid contact a few times but then there were times when I thought I was 19 again and got a bit carried away
The livewire enthusiasm and physical presence Phillips employed at the base of the scrum in the professional game was in evidence for Whitland.
He put in two big first-half hits, one of which led to a penalty and three points for his side. He also threw a long scoring pass in the second half before being replaced with 15 minutes to go.
Whitland’s tries came from hooker and captain Marc Jones a brace from wing Olly Hughes while full-back Nico Setaro kicked 11 points.
“I was impressed by the standard. I didn’t realise it would be that good,” Phillips said.
“This place means a lot to me, this is where the dream of playing for Wales became real.
“I had some of my happiest days in rugby here.
“A lot of people here showed me a lot of support and it’s nice to be able to come back and put in a performance.
“It’s great to see so many people down here supporting the club because grassroots rugby is so important in Wales.”
This place means a lot to me, this is where the dream of playing for Wales became real
