Royal Marines Logistics 58 Llanelli Warriors 19 (Match 157)

'Thanks' to Neil Parker for this one! With the commandos based in Swansea they were looking to play a match or two to raise money for Help for Heroes and to get a bit of team bonding in. Whilst apparently a number of Swansea sides gibbed out of playing them, Neil fronted up and promised a fixture - we're not called Warriors for nothing.
It was a very long and hot Wednesday for the Warriors. First as many as possible met over in Parc y Scarlets where the very nice Rupert Moon had arranged for us to get some kit from the Scarlets following the Warriors being stolen.
With the kit then in boxes and carrier bags it was over to New Dock to meet the rest of the boys for the game. Initally it looked as though we might struggle in certain positions but at least we had Paker's faithfull promise to play a full game. As time went on more & more (and more) players turned up.... luckily Neil was happy to only play a few minutes.
Anyway a sarting XV was chosen and duly kicked off:

Match report

The Warriors was established 14 years ago to help give players with learning difficulties the chance to experience rugby and this was certainly an experience to remember.
Having started the evening by being presented with a new kit from the Scarlets the team crossed the road to New Dock to face a team from the Royal Marines.
Currently based in Swansea between tours the Marines were looking to raise money for ‘Help for Heroes’ and the Warriors were very happy to oblige. Containing a strong Fijian presence, it was no surprise to find they wanted to play running rugby and keep the large crowd very entertained.
A record number of 39 players turned up for the Warriors and at times they could have done with them all on the field as the Marines cut loose from the off.

There was no shirking from the Warriors though with; Darren Pollitt, Simon Delaney and Nathan Lawson all getting stuck in. They managed to frustrate the Marines with some strong tackling but eventually they got away for a try after some 15 minutes of almost non stop attack.
Both sides played a full part in the game and when they had the ball the Warriors were also happy to attack. Sion Bennett made an impressive debut at 10 and they looked to have the defence stretched on occasion but the Marines cover defending was excellent throughout. The Warriors found it hard to get on the front foot as they struggled at the breakdown against bigger opposition and consequently tended to have poor ball. David Carpenter and Martin Pegler made some nice runs but it was all against the run of play.
After a slow start the Marines scored at regular intervals. John Hudson led the way with a brace of tries while local boys Andy Thomas and Ian John finished sweeping movements. The handling and pace of the backs was a feature of the game with Josefa Lauvanua and Amani Navonu prominent. The Warriors managed a little respite when Matthew Kirkham scored just before half time.
In such an open game there was plenty of skill to admire from both sides although it was inevitably the attacking skills for the Marines such as Richard Rodgers and Veresia Valemei and the defensive qualities of Ricky Lelli and Robert Hughes for the Warriors. One sweeping Warriors move had the crowd on their feet as the ball went left and right through several phases, Roger Thomas showing good hands to keep in going and Jason Bennett running strongly, but frustratingly, having made some 60 yards they again conceded a turnover and the Marines quickly countered to score at the other end. Matt Drummond scored the Marines 10th try as the game entered the final quarter but the sportsmanship which prevailed throughout a tough game of rugby was evident when Eric Horridge and Harold Rounds swopped teams. Horrigde won some quality line out ball but Rounds made the bigger impact when he sieved through his team mates to score.
Simon Jenkins then had a personal golden spell for the Warriors, converting Rounds try, scoring himself with a strong run and converting that to secure the Warriors Man of the Match award.
The pace and quality of the game (played in scorching heat) was a testament to both sides but more importantly hundreds of pounds were raised for ‘Help for Heroes’ and it is hoped this will become an annual fixture.
Warriors: Anthony Randal, Joshua Crowther, Neil Parker, Lee Rowlands, Richard Evans, Sion Bennet, Dean Gilasbey, Colin Talcon, Eric Horridge, Simon Delaney, Jonathan Kerr (cpt), John Horwood, Gwilym Lewis, Simon Jenkins, Matthew Kirkham.
Subs (ALL played): Nathan Lawson (prop), Martin Pegler (centre), Richard Pegler (15), Simon Jones (9), Andrew Pegler (Centre), Darren Pollitt (2nd row), Luke Messagario (6), Chris Morris (wing), Roger Thomas (2nd row), Mathew Jones (center), Sion Thomas (wing), James Dew (prop), Jason Bennett (prop), Robert Hughes (2nd row), William Brown (2nd row), Liam Carpenter (wing), David Carpenter (wing), Ricky Lelli (prop), Adriwn Williams (prop), Huw Jenkins (prop), John West (2nd row), Martin Evans (centre) Harold Rounds (8), Rodderick Vilsoni(9)
Royal Marines Logistics (with own notes): Paul Sorby (10), Amani Navonu, Josefa Lauvanua, Matty Mattetani, Harold Rounds, Versia Valemei
Dominic Maton, Smudger Smith, Jinxy (2 brilliant conversions), Wllzy concussed), John Hudson (2 tries), Penny Lane (hoofing flanker - 6), Matty Drummond (1 try of the game), Kevin (fatboy) Lewis (12 min sub), Andy (Tomo) Thomas) (1 try 80 meter sprint), Ian (Taff) John (1 try), Richie Rogers, Raza, Roders Vilsoni, Rick Jeffery (dropped ball), Eric Horridge (Warriors guest star/2nd row)

It was a cracking match and which the (very)large crowd enjoyed. Some of the Marines didn't realise the nature of the Warriors team but even once they had it made very little difference. They paid the Warriors the compliment of going full out for the result and although the match was played in a good spirit it was pretty hard with some big hits going in. Liam Carpenter was on the end of a spectacular hit that had the crowd on its feet (especially those who had to move out of the way), and Darren 'Polly' took a kick ahead only to be engulfed in a sea of blue and green.

Just to round off the Commandos faced a New Dock XV the next day and there was plenty of Warriors interest. For the home team Juice, Rob Hughes and John West all featued whilst for the Mariens Harold Rounds was back in his usual colors and Gwilym managed to scav a game and join him. Unlike the Warriors game the weather was rough and the marines also struggled in the live scrums where they had very (very) inexprienced players. despite this they ran out convincing winners (I think) 34 - 12 which throws the Warriors result into a quite good light.

Mynydd y Garreg 38 Llanelli Warriors 43 (Match 156)

Jon Kerr misses a sitter of a penalty, Big Al runs into touch (twice), Gwil starts at scrum half and Warriors STILL win. Plenty of players, plenty of supporters, plenty of sunshine and even plenty of food plus a great game of rugby made for a fantastic 1st visit to Mynydd for the Warriors. It was so sunny everyone wore yellow.

Match Report

The Warriors managed to snatch a late victory at Mynydd y Garreg with the odd try in 13. Perhaps the sunshine put everyone in 7s mindset as the ball was spun wide at almost every opportunity resulting in an open high scoring game.
The home side were out of the blocks first with some incisive running seeing them cross in the corner early on. The Warriors looked a little unsettled at this point and Dean Roberts and Mathew Davies added further scores. As the visitors defence finally tightened up a little, they began to create their own chances and wing Josh Crowther slipped through a gap to open the Warriors’ account. The Warriors got a 2nd score the ball went loose from a Mynydd move and flanker Mathew Kirkham seized the ball for an opportunist try. Mynydd continued to hold the upper hand but the Warriros just held firm, Rowlands and Lawson even holding one try up over the line. Both sides scored again before half time with Craig Scott getting a try for the home team and Gwilym Lewis being driven over for the Warriors.
The teams turned round with the Warriors just a point behind despite Mynydd’s dominance. The second half saw more of the same with open, end to end rugby keeping everyone entertained. The Mynydd backs were guilty of getting ahead of themselves on occasion with several forward passes spoiling promising moves. Ian Gillard scored a cracking try for Mynydd and David Issac eventually got them further in front but Luke Messaggiero hit back with a brace for the Warriors.
Playing up the slope in the heat seemed to affect the Mynydd players and the Warriors started to look stronger as the game headed into the final quarter. Eric Horridge capped an all action performance with a neat try and with Tony Whittaker adding a conversion to the 3 Jon Kerr had already slotted it left the Warriors just two points behind. With time running out it looked as though they might have blown it when Captain Kerr missed a sitter of a penalty in front of the posts. Mynydd renewed their defensive efforts and looked to be holding firm for the victory until the Warriors delivered a sucker punch. As Mynydd took possession at a maul on their own line the ball ran loose to leave Gwilym Lewis with the simplest of touch downs to steal the win. Kerr made no mistake with the conversion and the Warriors were able to rebuff Mynydd last ditch attacks and seal victory. Josh Crowther was named Man of the Match ahead of Anthony Randall and Lee Rowlands.

Warriors: Huw Jenkins, Joshua Crowther (Richard Evans), Lee Rowlands, Alun Stephens, Nathan Lawson (Tony Whittaker), Anthony Randall, Gwilym Lewis, Adrian Williams (Colin Talcon), Jason Bennett (Mike Esney), Richard Lelli (Eric Horridge), John Horwood (Darren Pollitt), Jon Kerr (Cpt), Mathew Kirkham, Rob Hughes, (Luke Messagiero), William Brown (Dean Gilasbey)

Mynydd y Garreg: Martin Smith, Dylan Jones, Daniel Jones, Craig Scott, Mathew Dean, Mark Lewis, David Issac, Andrew Thomas, Daniel Brown, Aneurin Gravell, Andrew Roberts, Andrew Thorne, Dean Roberts, Jonathan Harris, Mathew Davies (Ian Gillard)

Ref: Phil Hunter

Warriors scores:
Tries; Joshua Crowther, Mathew Kirkham, Gwilym Lewis (2), Luke Messagiero (2), Eric Horridge. Conversions; Jon Kerr (3), Tony Whittaker

Seren y Gem: Joshua Crowther

A very quick match despite the heat the Warriors were probaly a bit lucky with the ref and definatley a bit luvky with Deano turning up to play scrum half. The Warriors line out was very interesting, especially once Jumpin' John went off (lottery numbers anyone?) but Big Al had Skill of the Day with his touch line run and collapse - much to Neil parkers delight.

Once the Match was over, there were still plenty of highlights. The best was definatley Joshua Crowther' birthday/Man of the Match yard of ale (is he still drinking it?), but there was Darren Pollitts dancing, John Horwood's food mountain, Pauline stropping about Mynydd pinching the Warriors' tour badge and Richard Evans in his beach wear (see fotos).

A BIG DIOLCH to Mynydd for putting on the game and a great BBQ at short notice and hopefully another fixture next season.

The fotos beloew come with a PARENTAL GUIDANCE due to states of semi nudity amnogst men who should keep their tops on whatever the weather.

Dyfed Steel/Llanelli Police 31 Llanelli Warriors 41 (Match 155)

theres over a hundred photos to look through if you fancy (more than on the main web site or on facebook) after that theres the match report and some extra bits...

The Warriors recorded their 100th victory with this bank Holiday fixture. A cracking late afternoon match played in spring sunshine on Bynea RFC's excellent field.

Although there were a few suprising 'no shows' for the Warriors they were able to name a strong team. They welcomed back Andrew John and Lee Barber for rare apperances this season. Anthony Randall switched to fly half whilst William Brown made his debut.

Match Report

In the lovely bank holiday sunshine it was the Warriors who made the hay at Bynea as they overcame the combined force of Llanelli police and Dyfed Steel.
The excellent surface and the excellent weather made for an excellent game of open rugby with both sides giving the ball plenty of width. With neither side having played recently it took a while for the play to settle but there was a lot of quality rugby across the 80 minutes. The Warriors applied most of the early pressure and were rewarded with an early penalty. They had the edge in territory but the combined side looked dangerous from anywhere and had several long attacks which almost brought several tries. Full back Joshua Crowther was later named man of the match for his sterling work in frustrating these attacks but eventually Leigh Davies got over to put the combined team into the lead.
The game continued to swing back and fore with the lead changing several times. Anthony Randall (Warriors) and Leigh Davies (Combined team) completed hatricks whilst Jonathan Kerr ended with 21 points for the Warriors. His second try giving him most pleasure as he rounded his father on the way to the line. Steve Miller and Gareth Williams slotted conversions for the combined XV as over 70 points were scored.
For the combined XV Wayne Williams, Captain Mike Lloyd and Darren Morgan did well whilst Carpenter brothers Liam and David, wing Richard Evans and debutant prop Will Brown whose 1st action was a try saving tackle all made positive contributions for the Warriors.
The holiday crowd were kept entertained right until the end of the match when Randall completed a block busting hatrick to put the game safe and secure the club’s 100th victory (in 155 matches). Although obviously the combined team were disappointed to lose both teams were happy with their performances and with off field fundraising boosting the Warriors coffers it was positive outcomes all round. Both teams are already eagerly looking forward to next season in what is hoped will become an annual event.

Llanelli Warriors: Joshua Crowther (Nathan Lawson), Liam Carpenter (David carpenter), Andrew John, Alun Stephens, Darren Pollitt (Richard Evans), Anthony Randall, Lee Barber, Adrian Williams (William Brown), Jason Jenkins, Ricky Elli (Colin Talcon), John Horwood, Roger Thomas, Jonathan Kerr, Gwilym Lewis, Lee Rowlands (Jason Bennett)

Warriors scorers:
Tries: Lee Barber, Anthony Randall (3), Jon Kerr (2)
Penalty: Jon Kerr
Conversion: Jon Kerr (4)

Dyfed Steel/Llanelli Police: Mike Lloyd, Wayne Williams, Leigh davies, Jonathan 'Gums' Davies, Steve Miller, Gareth 'Giz' Williams, John Kerr and possibly some/all of the following: Richard Evans, Mark Rees, Marcus, Lee Bennett, Christian Peel, Ceri Scoberg, Simon Wright, Steve Davies, Craig Davies, Darren 'The Freak' Morgan, Ian Roach, Huw Bowen.

Combined XV scorers:
Tries: Leigh Davies (3), Jonathan Davies
Conversion: Steve Miller (2) Gareth Williams

Man of the Match: Joshua Crowther

There were plenty of positive Warriors contributions with Crowther lucky to be named man of the match in front of Lee Rowlands, Nathan Lawson, Richard Evans, Liam Carpenter, Anthony Randall, David Carpenter and Andrew John. Adrian Williams continuned his development with some nice touches. Randall throwing his 9stone about was agian good fun to watch whilst at the other end of the scale jason & Joshua's conversion attempts should soon be forgotten.

The support was again good with various Warriorettes present, some on their way out, some with the sprogs and it all made for a good atmosphere (until the Warriorettes couldn't decide where to go afterwards).

The after match was also a success with several £100 being raised for the Warriors. It got even better when Pauline won the main raffle prize, a signed Scarlets ball, and decided to re-raffle it for the Warriors. Thanks then to all the people who supported the Police/Dyfed Steel raffle.

Thanks also to hosts Bynea RFC and Betws RFC who lent the Warriors emergency kit.