Penybanc 26 Llanelli Warriors 36 (match 126)

Programme cover

Report from the star

Y fotos: (diolch i Dion)

lots of cwtching

For those about to run...Jas salutes you

all in

scrum time




Whistle goes just as CriSp was about to set Gwil on a run to the line

more scrum

Simon misses another kick

Juice puts CriSp into space

Cellan Harris (Penybanc) checks if Taylors head is a pull or screw top

Whittaker slots 2 points with almost 1st touch

Juice slices through for try

scrum III

Penybanc break through

Pressure on the Warriors line

wheres the posts mun!

1st win 06/07 back row l>r: Tony Whittaker, John Horwood, Simon Jenkins, Lee Rowlands, Jason Bennet, Alun Stephens, Chris Sprigs, Jon Jones, James Dew, Dean Gilasbey.

front row l>r Gwilym Lewis, Roger Thomas, Meredith Pugh, Alan Taylor, Richard Evans, Jason Jenkins (Cpt), Colin Talcon, Jon Kerr, Master Dew.

I did ask Meredith to keep his shirt on

Colin all ready to watch Wales in action

Louie all ready for Bingo

Jon Kerr all ready to fight over a pack of crisps

Gwilym sufers as he actually spends some money

Roger: typical pose

Jumpin' Louie and Col watching what looks suspiciously like gay porn

Chairman Dai: typical pose

Tony's 2 nd & 3 rd chins

The happy corner

A win at last! The Warriors traditional poor run finally came to an end with an exciting win in sunny Penybanc. 6 tries were scored in a timley pre tour boost. As ever the game was played in an excellent spirit and was very enjoyable for all involved. Penybanc, who had defeated Felinfoel the previous day, used the game to introduce young guns with a number of debuts, Big Al giving them a couple of 'welcome to seniors' moments. Meredith proved a turn coat again and was this year Joined by Jumpin' John Horwood although Lee Mole did give him a couple of dabs for his troubles. Killer and Bloc had a couple of nice runs with Killer able to "suck up the pain" of a cut mouth (ahhh, don't tell Mam!) Simon managed a hatrick and to almost knock Gwilym out while Taylor kept everyone entertained with his comedy full back routine.
In the clubhouse afterwards Wales went down to Ireland in another fast and open game. The atmosphere was so enjoyable that Taylor stayed behind and Rich Hapus almost joined him by missing the bus. There wasn't even a hint of a pwdi until the bus home when Meredith stepped up to the plate and refused to join in the singing. To be fair it was no Wheredyataker/Killer type strop and he was locked out for the night having lost his keys.

Match Report

The Warriors claimed the notable scalp of Section A leaders Penybanc on the weekend and broke their duck for the season. Fielding a settled side the beautiful conditions allowed them to indulge in their open brand of rugby and they created sparkling 6 tries. Penybanc meanwhile, playing their 2nd fixture of the weekend were able to give youth an opportunity and in a good spirited game crossed the line 3 times themselves.
It was Penybanc who opened the scoring straight from kick off to set the tone for the day, Simon Frounatis sprinting over for a dream start.
The game was open from the outset and the Warriors soon hit back when center Lee Rowlands scored out wide.
Both sides looked to move the ball and there was plenty of skill on show in a pacy encounter. Defences were continually stretched on both sides as the ball was swept about and scores came at regular intervals throughout the game. Warriors No8 Simon Jenkins scorched off a scrum to get the next points but young Calvin Hill, in his 1st senior outing hit back for Penybanc to top an excellent debut.
The fast pace continued into the second half as both packs worked hard to produce good ruck ball, good approach work from Jon Kerr and Jason Bennett allowed Chris Spriggs to drive over from close range. The next score was very different, quality line out ball saw the Warriors backs run a set move which opened up the inexperienced Penybanc defence and fly half Jones crossed unopposed.
Penybanc got themselves back down field and from a lineout Selwyn Mads shrugged off a number of poor tackles to cross and keep the home side in it.
Warrior Simon Jenkins got a second try with more strong running but was unable to prevent Meredith Pugh crossing for Penybanc when the roles were reversed. Jenkins had the final say though, a quick tap penalty gave him the space to complete a hatrick which saw him deservedly named man of the match. The scoring was completed with a conversion each from Jenkins, Kerr and Tony Whittaker ensuring the Warriors nailed their 1st win of the season.
Llanelli Warriors: Alan Taylor, Meredith Pugh (Richard Evans), Lee Rowlands, Alan Stephens, Jon Kerr, Jon Jones, Dean Gilasbey, James Dew, Jason Jenkins (Capt.), Colin Talcon (David Edwards), John Horwood (Tony Whittaker), Roger Thomas, Chris Spriggs, Simon Jenkins, Jason Bennett (Gwilym Lewis)

want to read it again?: CLIC

Pontyberem 12 Llanelli Warriors 12 (Match 125)

Quiz question: who the hells playing. (Perhaps it was just as well Tracey only took one photo)

l>r (I think):Colin, Gwilym, Andrew, Killer, James, Deano, Wayne, Bloc, Neil, Tony) Also Billo playing for Bont (behind the ref with red sleeves).

The Warriors reached another milestone with their 125th match when they travelled to Pontyberem on Dec 27th. Various hang overs, family commitments and the weather probaly helped decimate the Warriors squad although at least most experienced player John Horwood (New dental work) and Captain Jason Jenkins (Bad knee/tired/going out afterwards) turned up to watch, as did much of New Dock Stars helping Chris to celebrate his birthday (although their support didn't actually extend to watching the match itself). Thankfully James Dew and Alex made debuts whilst Wayne Rodgers made a rare apperance. The Warriors total of 17 players was certainly better than the hosts who eventually managed to get 13 meaning those who subbed for the Warriors played for Pontyberem.

Christmas spirit was obviously in the air as the match was well natured (well one ickle incident) and neither Killer or Weredyatakher had a strop or pwdi. Louie was also in good spirits parading his new 'Leg end of Stradey' shirt. Stand in skipper Colin Talcon and Jason Jenkins chose birthday boy Chris Spriggs as man of the match despite Killer having a fine all round game. many thanks to Tracey for driving the bus and Alun for sorting out the Pontyberem team.

Match Report

For their 125th match the Warriors travelled to Pontyberem for their annual Christmas match and for the second year running it was a draw. The teams were once again evenly matched and only a point has now separated the side in their last 3 seasons.
Both sides had a slightly unfamiliar look. The Warriors gave debuts to James Dew and Alex Howells and were missing several regulars. Pontyberem mainly used their 2nd team alongside some youngsters and a couple of first teamers looking for match practise after injury.
The Warriors got off to a dream start with good quick ball. Wayne Rodgers found himself in space on the 22 and used his strength and speed to power over. Tony Whittaker added the conversion.
The game settled to an engaging affair with the ball given plenty of air. Pontyberem looked to run at almost every opportunity whilst the Warriors mixed their game more with Jon Kerr providing excellent lineout ball throughout the game. The Warriors defence looked a bit fragmented on several occasions and Pontyberem put the ball through the hands to score mid way through the half and drew the scores level.
For Pontyberem Justin Lloyd ran things affectively from fly half whilst Richard Evans and Tony Whittaker had a great battle on the wing. The Warriors backs looked sharp on occasion but their recent lack of matches was evident in some spurred chances. Lock Jon Kerr showed them how it was done with a surging run up the middle and flanker Chris Spriggs was named man of the match for his battling performance.
Pontyberem went into the lead with a second try and probably should have added to that but the Warriors stayed in the hunt with stand in skipper Colin Talcon keeping them going. They finished the game strongly and eventually scrum half Dean Gilasbey just managed to squeeze in at the corner. From as far out as he could be Kerr narrowly missed the conversion which would have snatched the game. Both sides seemed satisfied with a draw and will be able to draw plenty of positives whilst looking forward to next season’s fixture.

Llanelli Warriors: Rob Roberts, Alex Rodgers, Neil Parker (Mathew Jones), Andrew John, Tony Whittaker (Richard Evans), Jonathan Jones, Dean Gilasbey, Colin Talcon (Cpt), James Dew, Jason Bennett, Jon Kerr, Lee Rowlands, Chris Spriggs, Gwilym Lewis, Wayne Rodgers.

Tries: Wayne Rodgers, Dean Gilasbey

Conversion: Tony Whittaker

Man of the Match: Chris Spriggs

Llanelli Warriors 0 Dyfed Steel 7 (Match 124)

Prog cover: Andrew John in full flight

(Andrew missed the game waiting for a fridge to be delivered)

Captain's dance...sori, I mean speech
Having a sit down on the job
Mike James re aquainting himself with John
Beautiful formation there boys but what about some rugby!
Dobbin points Gwilym to where the ball should go
Steel scrum half tries to beat the ball (and probaly managed it)

End of the game and Killers still stropping!
Steel give ref dirty looks despite him gifting them the game
Meredith 'Tigger' Pugh
Roger Murphy complete with bad fingers (good band) and Mam

Bloc smiles as he reflects on crippiling Lulu

Richard Evans trying to get ahead

The Warriors lost their ground record in a scrappy game at Stradey Park (since Llanelli Hospital 2004/05) and failed to score for the 1st time 2000/01 (Llanelli Hospital again). It means back to back defeats for the 1st time since they lost to the Gladiators and the Past XV in December 04.
Thats not to say it wasn't a positive day with some decent rugby, a huge crowd, lots of money raised, 100 programmes sold and a good after-match in the Cambrian. A BIG thank you to Llanelli Wanderers RFC who at the very last minute let us borrow their changing rooms: Diolch Bois.

Match report

In a scrappy game at waterlogged Stradey Park, Dyfed Steel inflicted the Warriors 1st home defeat in over a season.
The wet ground conditions favoured the heavier Steel pack and try as the Warriors might they couldn’t match that one breach of defence.
The Warriors suffered an early blow when a collision saw prop Jason Bennet leave the field and stand in scrum half Gwilym Lewis effectively playing the rest of the game on one leg.
With former Llanelli back rower Mike Lloyd leading the way the Steel pack ground their way around the field, slowly but effectively. It was Jonathan Davies who grabbed the crucial score with Gareth Williams adding the extra points. It turned out to be crucial.
The game was an absorbing battle, even in the mud as both sides tried desperately to get further scores. The Warriors line out when well with John Horwood, the club’s only remaining ‘original’ leading the way. Prop Dai Edwards showed some neat touches on the ball and the Pegler Brothers; Andrew and Richard had impressive debuts. In defence Simon Jenkins and Jon Kerr put in the hits which limited the Steel attack whilst Richard Evans was the pick of the Dyfed players.
John Kerr (Dyfed Steel) and his son Jonathan (Warriors) both missed with penalties. As time slipped away the Warriors tried to open up the game and ran from anywhere keeping the large crowd entertained. The Dyfed Steel pack’s stranglehold upfront meant that they could generate no quick ball and their attacks seemed to be on the back foot. They kept going right to the whistle but eventually Steel hacked the ball into touch to seal a historic win.

Llanelli Warriors: Andrew Pegler, Tony Whitaker, Neil Parker (Lee Rowlands), Alan Stephens, Richard Evans (Meredith Pugh), Jonathan Jones, Gwilym Lewis, Colin Talcon (David Edwards), Jason Jenkins (Cpt), Jason Bennet (Mike James), John Horwood, Jon Kerr, Chris Spriggs, Simon Jenkins, Richard Pegler.

Man of the Match: Colin Talcon
(Dyfed Steel Man of the Match: Big Dick, which I hope is R. Evans???)

Dyfed Steel site: Cliciwch

Swansea Gladiators 26 Llanelli Warriors 12 (match 123)

OK season 12 finally underway and as is traditional we lost! New Captain Jason Jenkins did his bit with a fine stirring speech before hand but it wasn't enough. As ever for the 1st game it took a while to get a team but credit due to Damien and Dog for turning up at short notice, Sheep for playing whilst ill and Billo who got lost on the moors but still made kick off. it made up for the loss of Jumpin' John Horwood & Chris 'Water boy' Bonar (Turkey and Tinsel weekend in Paigton) Lee Barber (working), Lee Rowlands (errrr) and Andrew John, James Howelles and Mike Esney (?) the review covers most points except Tony's world class strop and after match pwdi. We almost wish Louie had come!

Season 12 begins...

1st photo of the new season : as the excitment mounts!!..?

(L>R) Dog, Deano, Damien and Rich listen in

Tony laughs as Rich tries to chew his pre-match toffee

New Dock corner could hear, see or speak no rugby

Er: Billo, Big Al and Campo

Jason 2 guns 1st Captains speech

Warriors awesome lineout...oh damn the game hasn't started yet!

Dog & Al tickle Jonny Killer

The Gladiators (above) and the Warriors (below) oberve a minutes silence in memory of Dai Spriggs and also the game was played on 11/11

Action underway: blydi hell looks like f**tball

1st scrum of the new season?

Gwil looks like he has a spring in his step

Killer takes good line out ball

Warriors kick off

I think thats Fotos with the ball

Well I'm not going to look at him...

Dean gets ready to launch another attack

Does anyone know where the ball is?

Different photo: same question

some general milling about

Ref about to warn Lulu to cool down after he's been hit from behind (possibly)

Captain Jas almost getting his hands dirty at a ruck

Meredith not impressed as Killer marks him out of 10

Rugby athlete Dai Posh has a well deserved sit down

(it's hard work eating 3 curry n chips mun!)

Birthday boy drink up

Gladiators speech

Gwilym: 'Well, I've only just got out the shower...'

You had to be there: a classic speech from Jason

Jason hands over the Dai Spriggs Memorial Plaque

Gladiators Legend Adrian Willaims with his Man of the Match trophy

Simon Tarw gets all hands on hips because Adrian had his photo taken 1st

Ed Willaims doesn't know what all the fuss was about anyway

Match report:

It was a sombre occasion being the 1st game since Dai Spriggs passed away and played on his birthday. It was also memorial Sunday. Maybe that was while, generally speaking the game was played in a better spirit than usual. Jason gave a memorable speech after the match and all in all it was a good day.

After a series of cancellations, the Llanelli Warriors finally kicked off their 12th season away to the Swansea Gladiators. It was a poignant return to action for the Warriors; the first match they had had since their full back Dai Spriggs passed away in the summer and played on his birthday. With the match also played on Memorial Sunday a very solemn minutes silence was dutifully observed.
The match itself was a very enjoyable affair, with almost none of the unnecessary niggle that has marred recent encounters. The rivalry was still evident however with some fierce rucking and big hits from two committed teams.
The Gladiators had the advantage of a squad large in both size and numbers. They had also already played a number of games so it was no surprise that they appeared the more cohesive unit. They exerted almost all the early pressure and although each score had to be earned they scored at regular intervals. By half time Mathews, Cochlyn and Scott Mills had crossed for tries with Mike Gemmine and Scott adding conversions.
The second half continued in the same vein but the Warriors did begin to gel. They defence was tighter and their attacks more effective. The Gladiators scored a fourth try through James Evans which Mike Cochlyn improved but the Warriors began to threaten. Whilst the Gladiators forwards continued to have the upper hand, the Warriors looked dangerous everytime they worked clean ball. The game may have been beyond them but they refused to throw in the towel and fine tries were carved out for Rob Roberts and Jonathan Jones, the latter improved by Jonathan Kerr. There could have been more with Mathew Jones coming the closest. The Gladiators were unquestionably good value for their win but the way they finished the match will give the Warriors plenty of heart for the return match later this season.
At the suggestion of the Gladiators the new Challenge Shield will be renamed the David Spriggs memorial Shield and played for at the start of each eason. Man of the match awards for the 1st such game were Adrian Williams (Gladiators) and Simon Jenkins (Warriors).

Warriors: Mathew Jones, Tony Whittaker, James Davies, Jonathan Jones, Rich Evans (Meredith Pugh), Damien Deans (Rob Roberts), Dean Gilasbey, Andrew Dog, Jason Jenkins (cpt), Colin Talcon (Dai Edwards), Jon Kerr, Alun Stephens, Chris Spriggs, Simon Jenkins, Gwilym Lewis
Tries: Rob Roberts, Jonathan Jones

Conversion: Jon Kerr

Man of the Match: Simon Jenkins

read the report on the web again (Cliciwch) and the Gladiators put in this small preview (Cliciwch)