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.
