The 2nd match of the tour and it is hard to take these matches out of context from the fantastic welcome we recivied. The match started off very physical but after some early 'West Wales style' disipline from Gappa and Shed thankfully things calmed down. Featured as aprt of the TVNZ
Whangamomona 26 Llanelli Warriors 25
Rural Taranaki side Whangamomona were the second side to meet the Warriors on tour. Having just won the Deans Cup, the oldest trophy in Rugby Union, the home side were confident, however, the Warriors again managed to sneak through.
Coach Gwilym Lewis re jigged his small squad for the ‘series decider’ and it paid dividends with wing Tony Whittaker putting in a man of the match display. Despite having a Welsh speaking referee in the form of ex Llandovery resident Eifion Jones the Warriors took time to settle. The home side started at a ferocious pace and the Warriors were indebted to Gary James and Bernard Gittings for standing firm at this point. When the game did finally settle the Warriors were again able to move the ball around and give their backs opportunities.
Half backs Gilasbey and James moved the point of attack well again allowing Rob Roberts and Mark Watts to shine.
Another close match, both sides attacked at will with Jon Kerr unlucky not to open the Llanelli account. Eventually Rhys Bersely crossed and from then the scores came thick and fast for both sides. Roberts got a deserved score, Stephens crossed much to the delight of the Pontyates supporters and Bersely a second as the Warriors continued to display the running rugby for which Llanelli is renown. It would have been nothing without defence though and Colin Talcon was again at the forefront of these efforts. The Whanga side sent rolling maul after rolling maul towards the Llanelli line but they managed to hold out enough for the win. Ian Marshall got the crucial score which along with a Kerr conversion was enough to seal a second victory.
Having impressed the locals with their rugby the Warriors also displayed their singing talents afterwards gaining mentions for both in the local press as celebrations went on long into the night.
Warriors XV: Rhys Bersley, Rob Roberts, Lee Rowlands (Mathew Watts), Andrew John, Tony Whittaker (Richard Evans), Dean Gilasbey, Gary James, Dai Edwards (Captain) (Colin Talcon, Darren Davies), Jason Jenkins, Alun Stephens (A Kiwi), John Horwood, Jon Kerr, Bernard Gittings (Sion Kiwi), Dai Newson (Ian Marshall), Gwilym Lewis.
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