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.
