Jed Forest Select 20 - Llanelli Warriors 47 (Match 127)

This match was part of the Warriors historic 1st Scottish tour, more details of which can be seen HERE

A particulary difficult build up to the game for the Warriors. Having endured the long bus journey the day before, followed by some 'relaxing' beers the Warriors were somewhat the worse for wear. They had a full day with a visit to Melrose RFC and lunch at Jed Forest RFC. here they were told that the game was off. Subsequently, when they went to watch Jed Thistle play New Tredegar (Tredegar thumped them) there was a lifting of Captain Richard's 'No drinking law' and an early move to the bar. Arriving back at Jed Forest, the game was on - sort of. Touch rugby had to be the order of the day and the Select team were somewhat depleted. However the Warriors made the most of their opportunity and triumphed in an exciting match.

The previews which appeared in the press were replecated on the internet here, here and here

Match Report

The Llanelli Warriors enjoyed a fantastic trip to Scotland over the weekend, despite the cold conditions and the result of the international.
The team stayed in the Hawick, in the Borders rugby stronghold, visited Melrose RFC where Scottish center Keith Robertson showed them around the ground and told them the history of the club and 7s rugby.
On the Friday it appeared that the game was off due to the cold pitch and so the team watched New Tredegar beat Jed Thistle, mainly from the clubhouse bar. Even more remarkable then, that when the game appeared on, the team were able to triumph by the impressive score of 47 points to 20.
With the ground barley playable the game was not as full bloodied as might have been and the Jed Select were shorn of many of their star names. However, with the pipers in full tune and Gary Armstrong of British lions fame still leading the opposition the Warriors knew they had to put in a performance.
The still night meant handling conditions were good and so both sides flung the ball about as much as possible. This was just what the Warriors thrive upon and they scored at regular intervals throughout the match. Simon Jenkins opened the scoring and got a hatrick to go with the one the previous week, birthday boy Jon Kerr (21 on the day) got two tries and a conversion while tour Captain Richard Evans led from the front and bagged a brace as well. Perhaps the best two though were scored by wing Alan Taylor, his long range efforts earning him Man of the Match.
Others doing well at the hard graft were John Horwood and Roger Thomas while debutants Gareth Bath and Owain Lewis attacked with pace throughout. The Warriors defence was also crucial and at they kept the star studded select team frustrated for long periods of time. A great weekend which everyone concerned with, hopes will be repeated in two years time the Warriors would like to thank all at Jed Forest, especially Henry Douglas and Jed Renilson.
Possibly at this point we should mention that the game had to be touch rugby due to the frozen ground but theres no way we weren't going to claim a victory over such a prestgious side.

The Warriors that took on Jed Forest Select

(Bk row l>r) Phil Williams (non playing reserve), Alan Stephens, Simon Jenkins, Gwilym Lewis, Gareth Bath, David Newson (Chairman), Huw Jenkins (reserve water boy), Lee Rowlands, Colin Talcon, Chris Bonar, Gary James, Roger Thomas, Owain Lewis, John Horwood.

(Frt row l>r) Alan Taylor, Jonathan Kerr, Richard Evans (Cpt), David Edwards

Simon Jenkins tries to get on the outside of Gary Armstrong

The Warriors XV was: Lee Rowlands, Alan Taylor, Gareth Bath, Neil Parker, Jon Kerr, Gary James, Gwilym Lewis, Dai Edwards, Richard Evans (Cpt), Colin Talcon, Roger Thomas, John Horwood, Alun Stephens, Simon Jenkins, Owain Lewis

Tries: Simon Jenkins (3), Richard Evans, (2), Alan Taylor (2), Jon Kerr (2)

Conversion: Jon Kerr

Man of the match: Alan Taylor

Unfortunatley the most aggression Jonny Kerr showed was after the match when (to celebrate his 21st birthday) he was soaked with (very very cold) water.

The after match entertainment was a step beyond. A full pipe band and local musicians mixed in with traditional singing and a quick Warriors kangeroo Court. there was also time to celebrate Jon Kerr's 21st birthday. Of course the game was played in good spirits with the air of an exhibition match, but the Warriors suprised some of the crowd with their skills and ability. The attitude of the Jed Select was fantastic as was the welcome the players recivied in the bar afterwards. Extra special thanks must go to Jed Renilson and Henry Douglas for their efforts in making a great day and tour possible.

Another big bit from the Southerner newspapaer reviewing the day on their web site CLIC or CLIC