Gwlad Regional Select 22 Llanelli Warriors 29 (Match 154)

What a cracking 6 Nations the Warriors have had this season, and what a cracking day in Cardiff. It certainly helped ease the pain of losing to Ireland.

Played on nice and early on the 6 nations Super Satuday as well as the Warriors game there was the Italy v France and e**land v Scotland matches to keep people occupied on the Cathedral Road pub crawl on the way into town.

For those not aware, the Gwlad XV was made up of members and friends of the Welsh rugby chat site gwladrugby.com They have been holding an annual fund raising match for several years, originaly amongst themselves split into City Slickers and Valley Commandos (for whom Warriors Mathew Jones, Gwilym Lewis and Rhydian Jones put in apperances). This season during the Autumn season they combined and played Magor RFC (who Billo put in another apperance for). This was their 2nd venture as a combined team. The team this time featured amongst it's enthusiastic amateur players Irish and American players and a former London Welsh prop. The gwlad site is generally recognised as the best informed chat site and is regularly used by the Welsh media with members including Rick O'Sea and Carolyn Hitt. It has over 5,000 members and is well worth a visit. A word of warning - it can take a while to 'get' the sense of humour and it is not the place for whimsical 'thinking out loud' unless you have the statistics and evidence to back it up. Lurking before posting is recommended.
Anyway - they made up today's opposition for the Warriors, a pretty unkown quantity even for themselves, the Warriors travelled to Cardiff's Llandaff feilds to take them on...

MATCH REPORT

Played in warm spring Cardiff sunshine that perfectly suited their running instincts, the Warriors were able to triumph in this entertaining fixture against Gwladrugby.com.
Although the Warrior have been unable to put out a settled line up this season they were able to field a strong side for only their 3rd ever visit to the Capital. The home side were also forced into a late reshuffle so both sides had several untried combinations.
The game maintained a quick pace throughout and although the Warriors started better they fell behind to two long range effort as the home team put together some sweeping moves. Kevin Robbins was the Gwald team’s main threat and they got tries through Drew and ex London Welsh scrum half Dan Red, neither of which they converted. This seemed to give the home team confidence and they came more into the game, roles were reversed and it was now the Warriors having to attack from distance. Richard Pegler finally got a score for the Warriors but when Gwlad scored a third try, a swerve, step and sprint from wing Donnelly, and things began to look ominous for the Llanelli side.
The packs enjoyed a good battle up front with John Horwood and Richard Evans doing well and Jon Kerr managed to urge his troops to new efforts. They got back in the game with a slightly fortuitous try when a mix up between Humphries and Thomas in the Gwlad backline allowed Parker to pounce on the loose ball as it rolled over the line. With Kerr improving it gave the Warriors hope for the second half.
Even when Gwlad got further ahead through a try and conversion from Robert Eirwg the Warriors seemed to sense they were still in the game. They hit back with a try from the top draw. The back row worked Jones into space from a scrum in their own 22 and using the support runners as foils he weaved his way to the try line. This score put the game truly back in the balance and a huge spring in the Warriors step. Darren Politt had a dancing run down the wing whilst flankers Williams and Lelli both did well. Burly centre Alun Stephens’ strong running made a try for mobile prop Colin Talcon which saw the Warriors finally go ahead. In such an open game both sides realised it was all to play for but it was the Warriors who literally got the bounce of the ball, a hack ahead looked to be safely in the hands of MacKenzie but it bobbled into the lap of on running Jones who just beat the cover to the line to secure the win for Llanelli.
For Gwlad, Dafydd Oliver didn’t deserve to be on the losing side and some of the forwards proved powerful around the field whilst the Warriors had Cross and Jenkins in good form.
With both sides and the referee being positive throughout it proved an excellent encounter which also raised monies for various rugby charities. The success of the fixture can be measured in that it has already been written into the fixtures list for next term as an integral part of the international weekend.
Llanelli Warriors: Joshua Crowther, Neil Parker, Richard Pegler, Alun Stephens, Richard Evans (Darren Pollitt), Jason Cross, Mathew Jones, Adrian Williams (Richard Lelli), Jason Jenkins, Jason Bennett (Colin Talcon, Huw Jenkins), John Horwood, Roger Thomas, Jonathan Kerr (Cpt), Gwilym Lewis, Lee Rowlands.

Gwlad Combined Regional Select: (inc) Bender the Robot, Married to a Cardiff girl, Yankee Red, Drew, Cardiff Thomas, Clunk, Bigman, Bigman's son, Neef Neef Neef, Kahuna, Thomond 78, Eirwg, Dill the Dog, Superliftboy

Warriors Scorers

Tries:Mathew Jones (2), Colin Talcon, Richard Pegler, Neil Parker

Conversions: Jon Kerr (2)

GwladScorers

Tries: Yankee Red, Drew, Eirwg, Clunk

Conversion: Eirwg

Man of the Match: Mathew Jones

Additional match information: It all looked like it might go a bit pear shaped when Bloc recivied a Bigman hand to the chops and Roger got a decent hand off but with the world's coolest ref; Postie, immediatley calming things down, it soon developed into a free running romp of a game. Thats not to say there weren't any forward exchanges with John Horwood being pressured in the lineouts and loose play but to be fair he did well. Rich Evans came in off his wing to smash his 8 stones into a couple of rucks whilst linesman Lewi did his bit by threatening 6'5 Bigman. Pegler had a very impresive return to Warriors colours but alomst spoilt it by trying to come off early. Luckily Mam was on hand to envoke the family name and shame him into staying on. Adrian had a tidy 2nd apperance and even brought an extra player in Ricky Lelli who is so unfit he used to play f**tball with Bloc. Neil Parker managed to score again which isn't bad for someone whose 'back is totally f**ked' and 'can only stand on the wing'. Whilst it wasn't the most competitive of games the last of Bender's mistakes was so comical that Warriros coach Gwilym claimed "I wouldn't have beleived it if I hadn't played against Gwlad before."

Right - thats enough of the rugby. There was a decent pub crawl to be had - heading down towards the (pre booked) Model Inn. Sarnies 1st though, courtesy of the Donnellys and then, trying to catch up with the Gwlad contingent it was to The Halfway and then The Cayo Arms before jumping the queue to get to the Model.

Base camp established the day/evening/night slowly descended into the sort of chaos not seen since...er....Cefniethin...or Scotland. Some came, some went (and came back again) but the only constant seemed to be beer and dancing. The less said about the Welsh - Irish game the better but dancing seemed to ease the pain. Tracey Shambles had the cheek to say that some of it had scared her for life since she and Michelle were amongst the worst culprits. It must have been pretty bad as Neil Parker ended up being 'the sesnsible one' and (eventually) got everyone heading to the bus. Somehow everyone made it more or less on time (although some people thought they had lost other people already on the bus) and we headed for Turk town. With the singing on the bus keeping everyone awake (or kissing Lewi if you were Irish) only a brave few managed to make any headway into town. This weeks last Warriors standing: Parker, Newson, 2 Guns, Gwilym Lulu, Tracey Hallett & Lee Babara. At least we weren't barging ex Welsh Captains like the Gwald contingent!

Belive it or not, after all that both teams are enthusiastic to make it an annual venture.

Monies were also raised for Gwladrugby.com, The Toby Lloyd Cockbain Foundation and the Gareth Jones Trust.

For a further idea on how the game came about and gwald's reaction CLICIWCK

Finally enjoy the pic of the pictures

Rich Hapus - glad to be going

Huw Bwyd with kit and lunch bag heads to the game


'action' from the match

'stay on your feet'

the aftermath

front ball ploy works well(ish)

Pegs finds some space

try coming up

if only these were cropped properly we could pretend they were from different games...

Warriors v Cardiff Saracens

Neil on the up

Line out cwtch time

Yes this should be with the other fotos higher up

Gwlad (Dill) makes a break whilst Gwilym dances with Bender (!!)

Warriors v Stade Francais

Cross ends Dill's break

Pegs chasing

Warriors v Cardiff

Leon gets away from Joshua

Warriors v Neef

Hapus still smiling

Jasvolta

Darr, Josh and 2 Guns clear the dance floor

The survivors

Bigamn still missing tackles even after the game

Barber feels a right arse

Gwendraeth girls out drinking the men again

Neil rescues Lewi as the dance floor lurches to the left

wave your hands in the air if you don't care

Cefneithin 39 Llanelli Warriors 53 (Match 153)

Another year and another great day in Cefneithin. This year was the 10th anniversary and will be memorable for: having a wrestling style intro as we took the field, a number of debuts ("This is Adrian is it alright if he has a few minutes"), the return of the Warriorettes and Lynn Williams.

As ever it was Itlay v Wales, singing, dancing and a general lurve vibe (check the album here). Tony Rees was his usual self post match and was ably helped by Chris Bonar & Jason Jenkins. As ever there was some great fundraising and the news that there will be a Warriors cabinet to celebrate the 10th anniversary which will house the new cup that Cefnithin had commisioned.

Match report

The Warriors obviously enjoyed the warm spring sunshine at Cefneithin to cut loose and pass the 50 point mark for the 1st time this season. The popular fixture was celebrating it’s 10th anniversary and the home side had put up a cup which added to the sense of occasion.
For the Warriors, returning half back Dean Gilasbey made his 100th appearance for the club whilst at the other end of the scale there were debuts for Messaggiero, Lawson and Williams. Cefneithin’s side must have had one of the largest age ranges in the clubs history with the return of several old stagers alongside some of the older youth members.
The contrast from the Warriors last game in a frozen Edinburgh couldn’t have been more stark and they hit the ground running. Captain Jonathan Kerr showed an excellent appetite for work and his strong support play saw him grab a record equalling 4 tries within the 1st half an hour. Three conversions saw him set a new match points record of 26 and left the home team visibly stunned.
It set the order for the day and both sides switched on the exhibition mind set, keeping the ball alive at all costs although the defence of both teams might need some work.
With both teams playing with width there was a battle royal on the wings with Cefn duo Alan Taylor and Tony Whittaker going hammer and tongs with Liam Carpenter and Josh Crowther of the Warriors. Taylor, hatrick hero the week before, did eventually get through the Warriors defence only for Warriors full back Lee Rowlands to hammer him in one of the biggest tackles of the game. Crowther got on the score sheet for the Warriors but it was Liam Carpenter who was named man of the match for an excellent all round performance. Whittaker also looked dangerous on occasion and slotted 2 conversions.
Rob Hughes got the pick of the Warriors efforts with a great solo run from half way while Messaggiero, and Lawson got over on their debuts. Dancing prop Jason Bennett completed the Warriors try scoring. Messaggiero and Hughes also improved their efforts to give the Warriors their highest total in 4 years.
Cefn recovered well from their early set backs and eventually notched 8 tries of their own. Marcos led the way with two darting efforts, whilst Williams and Hollbroke finished sweeping moves. The biggest cheer of the day was for veteran Tony Rees who rolled back the years to show the youngsters how it’s done with a storming effort. Nothing could spoil the Warriors day though and the Llanelli side claimed the cup which will now become an annual prize.

Warriors XV: Lee Rowlands, Joshua Crowther, Neil Parker (Nathan Lawson), Alun Stephens, Liam Carpenter, Dean Gilasbey, Mathew Jones, Huw Jenkins (Colin Talcon), Jason Jenkins, Jason Bennett (Adrian Williams, Chris Bonar), John Horwood, Jon Kerr (Cpt), Luke Messaggiero, Rob Hughes, Gwilym Lewis

Man of the Match: Liam Carpenter

It was nice to have Dean Gilasbey back at half back and the difference for the Warriors was obvious with play switching nicley around the field. The official review doesn't mention Alan Taylor's red card from Charlie for (again) fighting with Gwilym but he probaly had had enough by then anyway from Rowlands. Tony gets bite of the day for his fantastic reation to any teasing from the Warriors ranks whilst Liam had a great game on the wing and deserved his Man of the Match bottle of bubbly. With the Bonar family largley absent (see below) it fell to the Messaggiero's to provide the biggest crowd of the day with young Luke getting a try, conversion and almost a can of beer off Lee Rowlands all on his debut (Just don't tell anyone he's only 16!)



The video provides a taste of the day but as ever, you had to be there!

Finally there was a shadow over the day. Anthony Bonar who usually organises so much of the Warriors day at Cefn was with his family up in Cardiff visiting his brother Jonathan. They would not wished for this to spoil the day (and it didn't) but our thoughts were also with them.

Edinburgh Northern 15 Llanelli Warriors 15 (Match 152)

Llanelli Warriors tour of Scotland

The Llanelli Warriors enjoyed a successful trip to Scotland recently, following the fortunes of the national team and playing their own match in Edinburgh.
The team who include players with learning difficulties took a 20 strong party north of the border including 5 young men who had never been on such an expedition before. These included tour Captain Joshua Crowther.
The icy conditions meant that the Warriors scheduled fixture against Edinburgh Northern was initially cancelled but the enthusiasm of the team meant that a game of touch rugby was held. Despite being generally unfamiliar with the format the team responded to the challenge and conditions well. They secured a 15 all draw with tries from Gwilym Lewis (2) and David Carpenter. Simon Jenkins was named Man of the Match. Once the after match presentations were out of the way, the clubhouse which was packed out with supporters from the Warriors, Betws and other local clubs treated their hosts to a tradition Welsh singsong. So enjoyable was the afternoon that the clubhouse was drunk close to dry with takings said to have sent up the club for the rest of the season.
On the Sunday the Warriors had a chance to have a look around the historic city before watching Wales claim an impressive victory over Scotland.
Tour Captain Crowther said “It’s all been a great experience; we’ve made loads of new friends and taken the concept of integrated rugby back up to Scotland.” Another first time tourist, Darren Pollitt said “I never thought I would have the chance to do something like this but it has been a fantastic trip”
Club secretary Gwilym Lewis said, “This is what the Warriors and rugby are all about. The boys were fantastic in representing their club and their town. It’s given them a lot of confidence to come up here and play rugby, well away from any comfort zones. I’m not sure any of us will be quite the same again.”
The Warriors will be looking forward to their next match – the 10th anniversary of their fixtures with Cefneithin on March 24th.

The game

It seems a bit daft to have a proper match report for a game of touch rugby but seeing as we are going to count it as a match (well we didn't loose so...) here are some general recollections.
On turning up the Warriors were told in pretty uncertain terms that there would be no game – not even touch as the ground was solid under a small layers of sludge. The Warriors (used to playing touch on concrete) immediately set their tactics to work. Those with the longest faces and most doleful looking (Simon & Rich) were sent out to the pitch inspection whilst Neil and Gwilym (using passed experience) started drinking. These tactics soon paid dividends with the Northern Gents team announcing we would have some sort of game and hurriedly phoning a team.
With the home team a bit short of numbers the Warriors lent a number of players with Richard Evans, John Horwood, Huw Jenkins and Colin Talcon all adding Edinburgh Northern to their rugby cv’s.
Once the game was under way the Warriors did pretty well despite their unfamiliarity with this version of the game.
Initially it was the more experienced players who made up the running; Gwilym playing scrum half feeding Dean Chapman, Big Alun Stephens, Lee Rowlands, Simon and Neil Parker. With the whole team working hard in defence the game was scoreless for the 1st quarter. Eventually Big Al and Gwilym worked their way up the flank and when the pint handed ref failed to call a possible forward pass Gwilym was able to open the scoring.
As the team got used to the game (fast) and the conditions (cold) so it settled down. Edinburgh scored a couple of tries but with the Warriors by now sharing the ball carrying duties they held their own. Eventually David Carpenter got a neat try for the visitors.
The second half saw the Warriors disrupted somewhat. Neil was forced to leave the field after leaving his breakfast on the pitch whilst Lee Rowlands took to playing in the keeper position (the football pitch confused me). What with Gwilym noticeably tiring (much to the delight of a growing crowd of supporters containing a rather hooligan element from Betws RFC) other Warriors stepped up to the mark. Captain Josh Crowther had a busy game whilst the Carpenter twins, Jason 2 Guns, Darren Petticoat and Talcon all did well.
A crucial missed tackle from Gwilym saw the Northern go back in the lead but as the game headed towards a climax he made some amends banging the ball down for a short range try.
The Warriors were pressing again and were also aided when Huw was forced to rejoin the game. Unfortunately just as Warriors legend Chris Bonar got back onto the field the game was disrupted by an idiot, sorry irate football official who didn’t take kindly to the use of his field for (TOUCH) rugby. With time almost up it was decided to abandon the game with the scores standing a 3 tries apiece.

Warriors team: Joshua Crowther, David Carpenter, Lee Rowlands, Alun Stephens, Liam Carpenter, Neil Parker, Gwilym Lewis, Huw Jenkins, Jason Jenkins, Colin Talcon (Chris Bonar), John Horwood, Darren Pollitt, David Edwards, Simon Jenkins, Dean Chapman.

Linesman: Lewis Jones, Cameraman: Owain Lewis, non changing sub: Dai Newson, Edinburgh Northern: Richard Evans/Colin Talcon/Huw Jenkins

Tries: Gwilym Lewis (2), David Carpenter
Man of the Match: Simon Jenkins

The video shows the match in all its glory (please remeber we were cold... and hungover... and tired... and drunk and...)

New Dock Stars 20 Llanelli Warriors 25 (match 151)

New Dock on the attack but it's ok, Block is there

(to date the only photo from this fixture thats came to light)

A cracking day at New Dock in lovely winter sunshine and some silverware - The Dai Spriggs Cup.

Nice to see a few returning players, ensuring a good squad on the day despite family commitments effecting the team. 1 foto so far so if anyone has any - please send them in via the web site (you have to join 1st mind ;) )

Warriors’ ride luck to secure cup.

The Llanelli Warriors managed to defend the Dai Spriggs Cup in an exciting Boxing Day clash against New Dock Stars. The teams shared 8 tries and it took a couple of kicks and the bounce of the ball to settle the game.
It was a typical Christmas game with a relaxed atmosphere and a willingness on both sides to attack and run with the ball. Christmas commitments also affected the line up of both teams with some unusual selections and rare appearances. For the Warriors Jamie Evans made a second appearance whilst flanker Lee Barber was pressed into duty at centre. Both sides introduced new scrum halfs and both made try scoring debuts with honours even in an intriguing duel.
In fact it was young Jason Baxter who scored the try of the games for New Dock. Backs and forwards combined well to out flank the Warriors defence and several phases of quick ball and good inter passing saw Baxter outshine his Father with a final flourish to cross out wide. It was at last proof that New Dock could do what they had been threatening all game. Throughout the match they put together some sweeping moves only for a last ditch tackle or a careless pass thwarting them. Mark Davies and Gareth Lee did score for the home team but it should have been so much more. Much of the credit should go to the Warriors back three with Randal again having a good match and was well supported by Liam Carpenter and Joshua Crowther who worked hard on the wings. Up front Darren Pollitt put in a lot of work which was rewarded with the Man of the Match award and generally the pack went well, rucking affectively and chasing hard. The Warriors 1st half points came through a Simon Jenkins try which he converted himself, a fine break away from scrum half Cornel and a Jon Kerr penalty.
The introduction of Lee Williams, veteran warhorse Gary James and prop Richard Evans helped the Warriors up the momentum in the second half while Lee Diane picked up his game. Jon Kerr got a Captains effort when he powered over but with Dock still able to attack from deep the game was evenly poised. Defences tightened up but Dock Captain Nima Samari matched Kerr’s effort to bring the scores level, another missed kick meant they couldn’t get ahead.
The Warriors had already ridden their lick pretty hard to restrict Dock to 4 tries but got a late present when super sub Neil Parker harassed the home team into a series of mistakes that saw the ball bobble over the line and the replacement wing plummeted to claim what turned out to be the winning score.
So the Warriors managed to claim the match and the Dai Spriggs Cup. There’s no doubt that Dai himself would have approved of the performances and spirit of occasion although he would certainly have backed himself to do a better job of the kicking. It game was a fitting way to remember the full back and a fine addition to Llanelli’s sporting calendar.

Warriors XV: Anthony Randel, Tony Whittaker (Joshua Crowther/Neil Parker), Lee Barber (Jamie Evans), Alun Stephens, Gareth Curtis (Liam Carpenter/David Carpenter), Lee Diane, Scott Cornel, Jason Bennett, Jason Jenkins, Darren Pollitt (Richard Evans), John Horwood (Lee Williams), Jonathan Kerr (Cpt), Chris Spriggs, Simon Jenkins, Gwilym Lewis.

Scorers: Simon Jenkins (try & conversion), Jon Kerr (try & penalty), Scott Cornel (try), Neil Parker (try)

New Dock tries: Jason Baxter, Mark Davies, Gareth Lee, Nima Samani

Seren y Gem: Darren Pollitt

as ever there wasn't room for a mention for all the incidents: Jason Jenkins fine run, Jon Kerr's fine strop(s), etc

It was nice to see a few old faces: Lee 'Picton' Diane making his 1st apperance for 6 years, Gary James playing his 2nd game in three years and Jamie Evans making his second apperance since his debut in the 4th season (against Betws away) - 9 seasons ago!

On the slightly more consistent front, Jason Jenkins played his 100th game at hooker while John Horwood has now passed 140 matches for the Warriors.

Hendy 25 Llanelli Warriors 34 (Match 150)

The Warriors managed to win their 150th fixture, edging out Hendy in the clubs 1st encounter and scoring 6 tries in the process. Led out by veteran John Horwood - standing in for Jon Kerr while he 'mentally prepared himself' the Warriors continued their recent good form. Chapman and Chris Furnace (well he was wearing Furnace socks) made debuts while Keeney developed his skills enough to be asked to feature for llanelli in his next match. Chapman drew praise from Team Manager Lee Rowlands who was shocked that he managed two tackles. Dean himself said he enjoyed the experience and couldn't wait to play again!! Togh tackling Anthony Randell was at it again, probaly boosted by rumours that he had broken 8 ribs in Tumble while Jonny Kerr set a new club record for stroping. Block obviously enjoyed himself - claiming his try was 'the best 3 yards of my life' and apart from Killer's javalin throwing the Warriors left each other alone (unlike Hendy)

Match Report

The Llanelli Warriors were able to mark their 150th fixture with a victory on their 1st ever visit to Hendy Park.
Not having met before it seemed the clubs were making up for lost time in a frantic 1st quarter. Both sides went for all out attack and this resulted in 4 tries shared evenly. Anthony Randell got the Warriors off the mark followed by a short range effort from Jason Bennet but these scores were cancelled out by scrum half Martin Rees and flanker Carl Rees for the home side.
The game settled down somewhat before Hendy took the lead. Setteling better despite the experimental look to the team they scored two sweeping tries through forwards Aaron Rees and Mark Williams.

With Darren Pollitt and Andrew John doing well the Warriors retaliated through Simon Jenkins who scored a neat try off the back of a 5 meter scrum and improved it himself.
Trailing at the break the Warriors were obviously keen to resume and they got the 1st score early when scrum half Randell went over in the corner, Captain Jon Kerr converting to regain the lead. Hendy though redoubled efforts and Calfyn Evans scored out wide, but the missed conversion left them leading by just a point. The Warriors were able to utalise a strong bench with Dean Chapman and Tristan Treharne adding steel up front whilst Joshua Crowther looking threatening on the wing. As time slipped away from the Warriors it looked as though Hendy would secure the victory but with full time approaching, especially as they were on the attack. However disaster struck when Neil Parker seized on a dropped ball, hacking over the line and claiming the touch down.
With time for just one more play Hendy over egged the restart and the Warriors had a scrum on half way. No 8 Simon Jenkins capped an excellent performance with a 50m run through some decidedly relaxed defence to score with the last action of the game.
The first meeting was deemed a huge success by both sides back at the clubhouse were Rob Hughes was named Man of the Match and it is hoped there will be many more meetings between the clubs in the future.

Warriors: Chris Furnace (Lee Rowlands), Tony Whittaker (Joshua Crowther), Andrew John (Neil Parker), Alun Stephens, Darren Pollitt (Liam Carpenter), Jonathan Jones, Anthony Randell, Jason Bennett (Tristan Treharne, Colin Talcon), Jason Jenkins (Dean Chapman), Huw Jenkins (Richard Evans), John Horwood, Jonathan Kerr (Cpt), Jonathan Keeney, Simon Jenkins, Robert Hughes.

Tries: Anthony Randell (2), Jason Bennett, Simon Jenkins (2), Neil Parker

Hendy: Steve Payne, Dean Davies, Chris Reynolds, Calfyn Evans, Aled Fowler, Dai Davies, Martin Rees, Chris Antomiazzi, Sam Parkhouse, Dai Davies, Mark Williams, Rob James, Carl Rees, Aaron Rees, Richard Toth

Tries: Martin Rees, Carl Rees, Aaron Rees, Mark Williams, Calfyn Evans

Man of the Match: Robert Hughes (Warriors)

Tumble 25 Llanelli Warriors 29 (Match 149)

This truncated version of the report is from the Llanelli Star with versions also appearing in the SW Guardian and Carm Journal - full version below

The Warriors had a great day at Tumble - won the game, free beer, free kit and John Horwood singing, if only the fireworks Lewi kept trying to return to had taken him off into the night sky it would have been perfect, read on for the latest Warriors adventures...

Match report

The Warriors began the month with a sparkling display at Tumble with almost as many fireworks on the field as in the display afterwards.
The teams shared 10 tries in an attractive matched well refereed by Wales' forwards coach Robin McBryde. The Warriors welcomed back a number of players for their 1st start of the season and it showed as they settled quickly. Centre Mathew Jones showed some early touches but bombed a couple of tries trough poor decision making and lack of football skills with the line at his mercy. Eventually his co centre Alun Stephens got the score board moving when he followed a neat chip through.
Wing Neil Parker rounded off a move to put the visitors further ahead but it wasn't long before Tumble came back, Richard Jones claiming their opening score after some good approach work from Chris Lloyd and Gareth Cavil.
The teams where evenly matched in most areas, Horwood, Thomas (Warriors) and Andrews and Rumblow (Tumble) enjoying a aerial battle at the line outs. The Warriors had the edge at the scrums though where man of the Match Huw Jenkins was always the centre of attention.
The Second half saw Tumble strike back with tries from Nolan, Flint and Endaf Jones. They might have created the momentum to win the game had it not been for some big hits from full back Anthony Randall. Tumble emptied their bench, the likes of Rhydian Row and Rhys Lewis making good contributions whilst the Warriors brought on vetran Huw Daniels for his club debut.
Tumble's lack of place kicking came back to haunt them when the Warriors finnished strongly, Martin Smith showed good pace in scroing to tries, either side of a Jonathan Jones effort which went some way to attoning for some erratic distribution earlier in the game. With Tony Whittaker adding a conversion to an earlier Jon Kerr effort the Warriors were able to sneak home, although they still needed a last ditch tackle from Randall to make sure of the scalp.
The match was follwed by an impressive firework display during which £100 was rasied for the Warriors team who hope to travel to Scotland later in the season.



Warriors XV: Anthony Randell, Joshua Crowther (Neil Parker), Mathew Jones, Alun Stephens, Richard Evans (Tony Whittaker), Jonathan Jones, Jason Cross (Huw Daniels), David Edwards (Colin Talcon), Jason Bennett (James Dew), Huw Jenkins (Martin Smith), John Horwood, Roger Thomas, Jonathan Kerr, Simon Jenkins, Lee Rowlands. Aled Lewis



Tumble: Richard Jones, Emyr, Darren, Gareth Cavil, Jason, Andrew, Ryan Rumbelow, Nolan, Allison, Simon, Endaf Jones, Chris Lloyd, Steve Hewitt, Chris Flint, Kevin Davies, Rhys Lewis, Rhydian Row, Nathan Carile, Enrol Price, Neal Griffiths


Warriors Tries: Alun Stephens, Neil Parker, Martin Smith (2), Jonathan Jones.
Conversions: Jonathan Kerr, Tony Whittaker.

Tumble tries: Richard Jones, Nolan, Endaf Jones, Chris Flint

Man of the match: Huw 'Flash' Jenkins


The return of a number of old favorites; Colin Talcon, Mathew Billo, Tony Wheredyatakeher, Dai Posh, Roger Murphy plus a couple of debuts (Tank and Daniels) helped the Warriors to victory despite the absence of several managment figures (Deano, Chrisp, Gwilym).

With the author again not present a certain amount of guess work has gone into the match and apre match reports. There was much conflicting evidence: Did Jonny Kerr have a pout; Yes loads (Lee R), only one (Jon Kerr), that lasted all match (Lee R), he was in a mega one (Billo), oh Bloody hell (Neil Parker). Neil Parker's running; he was treading water (Lee R), I decided to give Martin a try, I was in the clear (Neil), Ha ha ha (Billo), I had a bad knee (Neil). Sometines the evidence was contary even from the same person, did anyone sing? No - John Horwood (Roger Thomas), was it a hard match? No ot really, they were too rough (Dai Ed). Everyone agreed it was a great day, that the fireworks were good, that it was a good match and that Anthony Randall can tackle.
Robin McBryde endeared himself to the Warriors cause (despite his tight reffing) by bringing along some kit with the result that at a quick glance the Warriors now look as though the feature a number of Wales and Scarlets players. he also managed to help man of the match Huw 'next time' Jenkins to get to grips with the srumaging & asked Cross and Randell why they weren't laying for the Scarlets academy).
It wasn't all good though with a convey of cars and a 'shed of a bus ((c) John Horwood)' ferrying the players about, Block breaking a nose and a rib (possibly) and Parker getting hurt (to go with his hangover) after getting into a ruck (for once).

John Horwood singing Yellow Submarine:

Halloween getting on top of Big Al

No love, this is my real face

Lewis after narrowly avoiding fireworks


Jumpin' John wetting his vocal chords

Colin Talcon - back in the team

John singing

Captain Killer almost ready to stop pwding

Simon Jenkins - buy shares in Orange while this man plays for the Warriors

Llanelli Warriors 22 Duke of Wellington 17 (Match 148)

Lee 'Mole' Rowlands wrote the report so it may not be up to the usual standard but shouldn't complain as he also reffed the game.

Match report

A strong Warriors team took to the field looking to blow away the cobwebs from Swansea Uplands 2 weeks ago, uncharacteristically for the Warriors they were first to settle and good work from Neil Parker and Andrew John set up Jonathan Jones for the first Warriors score out wide. Both teams settled well and possession was shared between the two teams before Dean Roberts found the room to go over for a score converted by Tony Richards.
The Duke used the muscle of Lee Williams, Justin Hughes and Tony Richards to complement the guile of Lee Diana, Dean Roberts and Josh, it was the latter that looked to have worked himself clear and crossed the try-line before Anthony Randall got back to put in a try saving tackle and hold the ball up over the line on the stroke of half time.
The second half began much the same as the first with the Warriors’ backs putting Anthony over early in the second half; the score was quickly matched by Josh crossing for the Duke. A combination of strong running and weak tackling put Rob Hughes under the posts for his first score for the Warriors.
A period of mistakes from both side marred what had been a good game and it was an advantage from a Duke knock on that led to Jonathan Jones picking up on the half way line before twisting and turning his way over.
The Duke found themselves 10 points down and rallied with 10 minutes left in the game, strong counter attack running from Duke full back 63 year old Steve Swearer set up a sustained period of pressure and only last ditch tackles from Neil Parker and Richard Evans on one flank and Andrew John on the other preventing certain scores. The Duke’s efforts were finally rewarded with a score by Darren. From the restart the Warriors were again put under pressure, with the try line at their mercy a mistake by the Duke gave the Warriors a scrum and the opportunity to put the ball out and signal the end of the game.



It should be noted that the Warriors lent the Duke a few players including Lee Picton Diana but to be fair they also lent them some decent ones like Dean Roberts as well.

Swansea Gladiators 19 Llanelli Warriors 15 (Match 147)

Firstly congratulations to Jonatan 'Killer' Kerr who was voted Captain for the season ahead of team mates Joshua Crowther, Richard Evans and Simon Jenkins. Jonny did a great job and for once had less strops than most of the team. Disapointing result for the Warriors - especially as we dominated most of the game - just didn't quite have the guile to score. A good proper game of rugby though with plenty of knocks - Lee and Andrew John taking heavy hits that left them struggling, Big AL and CriSp geting stingers, Juice taking a blow to the balls (what are the chances!), Simon Tarw needing the usual 4 magic sponges while poor Alan Taylor got something in his eye. After the match Big Al got his birthday celebrated in the usual way, Taylor won the raffle but almost lost his way home and Dai Newsance proved he is still tops for scoff, showing even Huw Bywd the way with 4 helpings of Curry n Chips.

Match report

The Llanelli Warriors started their season against their oldest rivals the Swansea Gladiators as they battled for the Dai Spriggs Memorial Shield. The 14 year old fixture has never needed a trophy to make it a highly competitive match and this was no difference with the referee needing to be at his best to control some heated exchanges. The early season rustiness showed in the Warriors start as the Gladiators stormed into an early three try lead. Showing a strong presence from host club Swansea Uplands they ran the Warriors ragged early on and it initially looked as though a record score was on the cards. Paul Scott showed up well to almost finish off a flowing move but the Llanelli team managed to hold firm. Under new Captain Jonathan Kerr the Warriors slowly began to re-group and force their way up field. They forced a number of penalties (which in hindsight they might have attempted to kick), and spent the remainder of the half generally on the attack. They couldn’t quite make the break through however as Victor Raikar and Alex Brassielo lead the Swansea defence. The Second half continued to see the Warriors in the ascendancy and pushing to the line. The Gladiators however always looked dangerous on the counter with Kristian Simon having an impressive match. Jason Cross had an impressive debut at full back for the Warriors and helped null this threat with some text book defence which later saw him named man of the match. Alan Stephens eventually managed the break through with a bullocking charge down the wing and the Warriors might have got further scores but Simon Jenkins and Alan Taylor were both guilty of moments of madness in otherwise fine performances. Cool heads were needed and half backs Jon Jones and Gwilym Lewis began to steer the Warriors down a more direct route with Jason Bennett, Chris Spriggs and Richard Evans taking on the hard yards. It was a reversal of the usual pattern of this fixture – the Warriors rumbling slowly up field but the Gladiators looking for the quick strike. It was slow work and eventually the Warriors ran out of time, the referee blowing early as tempers continued to fray.Although disappointed with the result there were plenty of positives for the Warriors. Rob Hughes and Huw Jenkins showed up well on their debuts and most aspects of their performance were positive. On this occasion however they had to admit defeat and the Gladiators took proud possession of the Dai Spriggs Shield, at a time when disabled sports are in the headlines with the Paralympics, West Wales can be proud of these two teams who include players with learning difficulties for putting on a magnificent full bloodied rugby match. Llanelli Warriors XV: Jason Cross*, Joshua Crowther, Andrew John, Alun Stephens, Liam Carpenter (Neil Parker), Jon Jones, Gwilym Lewis, Jason Bennett, Jason Jenkins, Huw Jenkins* (Richard Evans), Jonathan Kerr (Cpt), Robert Hughes* (John Horwood), Chris Spriggs, Simon Jenkins, Lee Rowlands (Alan Taylor) Try: Alun Stephens Man of the Match: Jason Cross * Debutant