Llanelli Warriors 21 Llanelli Hospital 32 (match 89)

Reports from South Wales Guardian and

Llanelli Star

Match Programme: Dean and Jason facing the KS X Hands XV

Bk row: Gary James, James Howells, John Horwood, Jon Kerr, Dai Newson, Simon Jenkins, Alun Stephens, Richard Evans, Roger Thomas, Lee Rowlands.

Ft row: Meredith Pugh, Paul JCB, Gwilym Lewis, Colin Talcon (cpt), Jason Jenkins, Mike Charles, Dai Spriggs, Darren Davies, Mike James.

The Warriors: Corrupting kids since 1995

Match report

The Warriors played the 1st home match of their 10th season on Sunday but went down to the Hospital XV.
Although it wasn't a day for dazzling skills or running rugby the 2 sides managed to serve up an entertaining match to brighten the gloom.
Missing some key players the Warriors battled all the way but were undone, often due to inexperience.
The Hospital scored almost immediately from the kick off and went on to dominate the opening exchanges. Gavin Coch and Keith Harris, the Hospitals star player, using all his many years, scored nice tries to open up what looked a commanding lead. Although the wind and rain hindered both sides some fine rugby was played and slowly the Warriors managed to grasp more of the game. Man of the match Simon Jenkins and debutant Mike Charles impressed whilst Paul Jayseabee worked tirelessly at flanker. Rich Nicholas got the Hospital further in front though, due reward for his constant efforts. The only glimmer of light for the Warriors came from nippy wing Richard Evans who slipped away to cross for a score improved by Jon Kerr.
With the wind at their backs the Warriors were moer competitive in the second half. John Horwood provided quality lineout ball for backs Alan Stephens, Mike James and James Howells to run off. Veteran No 8 Dai Newson helped them to drive them forward and eventually scrum half Gwilym Lewis was able to twist over from short range. Simon Jenkins added the conversion to aid the Warriors cause.
The Hospital weren’t finished though and continued to score. Dean Davies crossed and improved whilst Harris and Coch each got a second. For the final encounters the Warriors tightened their defences with Jason Jenkins and Roger Thomas stepping up to the challenge and the integrated team had the final word when Jonathan Kerr stripped the ball away and streaked in from the halfway line, his conversion bringing the scoring to a close.
The Warriors will be desperate for some key players to return but will then be well placed for a good season.
Llanelli Warriors: Dai Spriggs, Richard Evans, Jonathan Kerr, Mike James, Meredith Pugh, Alan Stephens, Gwilym Lewis, Mike Charles (Darren Davies), Jason Jenkins, Colin Talcon (Cpt), Roger Thomas, John Horwood, Simon Jenkins, Dai Newson, Paul Jayseabee.

Tries: Richard Evans, Gwilym Lewis, Jonathan Kerr

Conversions: Jonathan Kerr (2), Simon Jenkins

Man of the match: Simon Jenkins