Llanelli Warriors 38 Cambrian 22 (match 135)

Match report

The Warriors wound up their season with an impressive victory against the Cambrian XV at Stradey Park. After their traditional slow start to the season the Warriors took off and this match took their unbeaten run to 10 matches.
The bright weather helped their cause no end and were soon showing the sort of style which has brought them success this season.
Phil Williams marked an overdue return to the side with a very early try which gave the side confidence and allowed them to relax. Both sides looked to move the ball around whenever possible and an enthralling match with plenty of skill on show soon developed.
Any ideas that the Warriors had that this would be a stroll in the park were quickly dispelled by the Cambrian pack. With Jason Bennett and Wayne Jones leading from the front row, the back row of Mat Kirkham, Stu Jones and Dominic Reynolds were a dominate force throughout the match. The Warriors were lucky to go further ahead through Richard Pegler (improved by Jon Kerr) and both sides worked hard to find any openings.
The Cambrian hit back through Ryan Williams after some fine inter-handling stretched the Warriors defence. Two quick-fire tries from Richard Pegler though put the Warriors clear again as the half time whistle approached. James Dew also went close in a purple patch for the home team but the likes of Craig Edwards and John Kerr kept the Cambrian positive and the Warriors were flattered by their half time score.
The start of the second half saw the Cambrian step up their efforts with scrum half Wayne Phillips bagging a try and conversion. The Warriors were thankful that a number of players stepped up to the mark with Meredith Pugh, Richard Evans, Jon Kerr, Simon Jenkins and Man of the Match Tony Whittaker putting into practise what they had learned over the season. Both teams were able to bring in quality players from the bench, Warriors Mathew Jones and David Edwards equalling out the contributions of Chris Davies and Luke Pawello. The other Cambrian sub Laurence Reynolds though, got them a crucial score.
The match back in the balance the Warriors had to dig deep if they were to maintain their record and they did so. Jon Jones got one try and then Richard Pegler finished off a sweeping move to equal the club record with his 4th touch down. Simon Jenkins slotted his third conversion to complete the scoring and the season for the Warriors on a very high note.
Jason Jenkins led his team off the field with one of the most impressive seasons to date for the club who continue to prove that having a learning difficulty is no barriers to playing rugby.

Warriors: Tony Whittaker, Jon Kerr, Neil Parker (Mathew Jones), Richard Pegler, Richard Evans (Meredith Pugh), Jon Jones, Dean Gilasbey, Colin Talcon (Dai Edwards), Jason Jenkins (Capt.), James Dew, John Horwood, Darren Petticaul (Gwilym Lewis), Andrew Pegler, Simon Jenkins, Phil Williams (Chris Spriggs)

Cambrian: Craig Edwards (Chris Davies), Kane Bowler, Ethan Scoucal, Ryan Williams, Dai Hughes, John Kerr, Wayne Phillips, Jason Bennett, Wayne Jones, Daniel Bonifachio, Rob Hughes (Luke Pawello), Simon Reynolds, Dominic Reynolds (Laurence Reynolds), Mathew Kirkham, Stu Jones.

Warriors Tries: Richard Pegler (4*), Jon Jones, Phil Williams
Conversions: Simon Jenkins (3), Jon Kerr

Cambrian tries: Ethan Scoucal, Ryan Williams, Wayne Phillips, Laurence Reynolds.
Conversion: Wayne Phillips

Man of the Match: Tony Whittaker
* Equals club record

A good match with all those mentioned deserving their name checks (on the Warriors side anyway). Tony had a busy game at full back but it was a shame he couldn't have landed a kick to go with his attack and defence performances. Rich Pegler looked slightly bewildered when subbed shortly after his 4th try but he had already claimed a share of the club record. fair play to the Cambrian who had to put up with not one but 3 crap refferees (Chrisp/Funky/Duw Duw) but at least they didn't have to put up with the sunlounger based mocking of Lee The Mole.

After this it was back to the Cam' for the presentation night which you will be able to read about HERE