info/Gwibodaeth
History - History 1
The Llanelli Warriors are a Challenge rugby side who include players with learning difficulties.The team was formed in 1995 to represent the Heol Goffa SAC, a day centre for people with learning difficulties. Some of the centre staff played rugby for a simialr team in Swansea, the Swansea Gladiators, and challenged the centre to raise a team. So in the best traditions of Llanelli - Swansea rivalry the West Wales Warriors met the Swansea Harlequins (name changes came soon after). The 1st match at Gorseinon RFC resulted in a draw and the Warriors managed to triumph in the re match at Stradey Park (on the Llanelli Wanderers pitch). The winners took possession of the Challenge Shield and this tradition was continued every time the sides met.Captain:Raymond Millet
The next season saw a further rematch, this time on the main field at Stradey. The game was played under lights, refereed by international official Robert G Davies and Craig Quinell made the after match presentations. The match was a high scoring 32 all draw and much of it was televised as part of the S4C Heno programme (team picture above right featuring spectators Garan Evans and Gareth Jenkins). Although they played no other fixtures in this season the interest generated provided the impetus for the team to go 'full time'.Captain:Raymond Millet
1997/98 saw the team become independant of Heol Goffa and training moved from a patch of grass at the back of the centre, to the famous Stradey Park. 7 fixtures were played against various opposition including WRU member club Burry Port. The away fixture against the Gladiators was played as a curtain raiser to the Swansea - Llanelli match. The club obtained their own kit for the 1st time through a donation from Llanelli RFC. A creditable playing record of won 3 lost 4 was achivied and the season ended on a high when the club re gained the Challenge Shield at Stradey Park. A Presentation Evening was held with Dean Gilasbey named as the club's 1st Player of the Year.Captain: Raymond Millet, Player of the year: Dean Gilasbey, Players Player: David Newson, Sportsman: Colin Talcon, Top Points scorer: Edward Williams, Most Improved: John HorwoodRecords set (include): Edward Williams - 12 points in a match.3rd season extra: http://llanelliwarriorsphotos.blogspot.com and search for "thirdseason"
1998/99 Saw 12 fixtures played including a match against the Welsh Deaf XV and an impressive record of won 7 drew 3 and lost 2 illustrated the improvments the team was making. The season also saw the club produce a match programme for the 1st time.The home match against the Gladiators was played as a curtain raiser to Nigel Davies/Stuart Davies' Turks v Jacks testimonial.Captain: David Newson, Player of the year: Robert Bevan, Players Player: David Newson, Sportsman: Darel Watkins, Top Points scorer: David Spriggs, Most Improved: John Horwood, Records set: Dai Spriggs scores club's 1st drop goal (away to Betws)4th season extras: http://llanelliwarriorsphotos.blogspot.com and search for "fourthseason"
1999/00 The season playing record read: Played 12 Won 7 Lost 5 which included 3 prestigious matches against the Gladiators played as part of the Swansea RFC World Cup Village, a curtain raiser to Lions v New Zealand Legends match and as part of Rupert Moon's testimonial. The club went on its 1st tour to Teignmouth in Devon, the 1st 'Challenge rugby' match in england.Match records were set when Dai Newson (and later Lee Rowlands) scored the club's 1st hatrick of tries, Dai Spriggs netted 19 points in the club's 57-5 win over the White Lion and the club managed it's 1st 'clean sheet' when it kept Burry Port pointless with a 14-0 win.Captain: David Newson, Player of the year:, Players Player: Gary James, Sportsman: Chris Bonar, Top Points scorer: David Spriggs, Most Improved: Jason Jenkins, Other records set: Dai Spriggs drop goal
2000/01 P13 W11 D1 L1, the 11 wins coming consecutivley. Dai Spriggs scored 20 points in a match and Stephen Walley scored 3 tries. New records for highest score (60 - 32 v Dura Cables) and biggest winning margin 52 - 0 against Llanelli Hospital). Club tour went to Southend. Captain: David Newson, Player of the year: Des Williams, Players Player: Edward Williams, Sportsman: Nigel Merrick, Top Points scorer: David Spriggs, Most Improved: Colin Talcon, Other records set: Dai Spriggs set new records for conversions (38) and penalties (5) in season.
2001/02 P16 W 9 L7 Season includes the teams 50th fixture and their 25th at Stradey Park. Dai Newson and John Horwood become 1st players to make 50 apperances. Lee Jones scores 3 triesCaptain: David Newson, Player of the year: Meredith Pugh, Players Player: John Horwood, Sportsman: Mike James, Top Points scorer: David Spriggs, Most Improved: Roger Thomas, 7th season extras: http://llanelliwarriorsphotos.blogspot.com and search for "seventhseason"
2002/03 P12 W4 D1 L7. Warriors win their openning fixture for the 1st time. Both matches with the Gladiators are played as curtain raisers.Captain: John Horwood, Player of the year: David Edwards, Players Player: Roger Thomas, Sportsman: Alun Stephens, Top Points scorer: David Spriggs, Most Improved: Gareth McKibbon8th season extras: http://llanelliwarriorsphotos.blogspot.com search "eigthseason"
2003/04 P12 W6 L6 Radio Wales broadcasts 3 part programme on the Warriors and GladiatorsCaptain: Jason Jenkins, Player of the year: David Newson, Players Player: David Newson, Sportsman: Richard Evans, Top Points scorer: Simon Jenkins, Most Improved: Colin Talcon, 9th season extras: http://llanelliwarriorsphotos.blogspot.com and search for "ninthseason"
2004/05 P23 W17 D1 L5 The club celebrated it's 10th season with a 3 match tour of New Zealand where they followed the Lions whilst winning their own matches including a 'test' match against the only similar team in New Zealand - The South Auckland Kiwis. The season also saw the Warriors play their 100th fixture and players David Newson and then John Horwood became the 1st players to make 100 apperances for the club. The tour was featured on NZTV and S4C programme Hacio also featured the team.An exstensive article on the team in Rugby World Magazine helped enspire the Saracens Brave Herts team to become the 1st challenge rugby team in england. Warriors help Pantyffynnon celebrate their new floodlights where Jonathan Kerr scores 3 tries a feat he repeats twice before Jonathan Jones sets a new club record with 4 in one match. This comes with a new record highest total as the Warriors beat Crosshands' Kwik Save 70-36. Jon Kerr sets a match recors with 23 points against an Opposition Select XV.Captain: Colin Talcon, Player of the year: Simon Jenkins, Players Player: Jonathan Kerr, Sportsman: David Edwards, Top Points scorer: Jonathan Kerr, Most Improved: Tony Whittaker, Other records set: Rhys Bersley scores drop goal. Jon Kerr scores 15 tries and 134 points in season.10th season extras: http://llanelliwarriorsphotos.blogspot.com search "tenthseason"
2005/06 P12 W9 D1 L2Club remain unbeaten at home for the 1st time and also played their 50th match at Stradey. They host their 1st touring side, the Challenege rugby team the Saracens Brave Herts and beat them 41-17 to claim the CMG cup. This is followed by a rare away win to claim the Challenge Shield from the Swansea Gladiators and coupled with their summer win over the South Auckland Kiwis (who had previously beaten Australian and Japanese opposition) they were able to claim the ttile - best Challenge rugby side in the world.
Over the summer former Warriors full back David Spriggs passes away in his sleep. David Played his final match against Burry Port Classics and although illness forced him to retire he stated he hoped it would be temporary. He held numerous club records and had also coached the side. Amongst various marks of respect the Warriors retired the No15 jersey and in place of the Challenge Shield the Gladiators put up the Dai Spriggs Memorial Shield. See also entry in Past Players Section.Captain: Roger Thomas, Player of the year: Roger Thomas, Players Player: Simon Jenkins, Sportsman: Chris Spriggs, Top Points scorer: Simon Jenkins, Most Improved: David Edwards, 11th season extras: http://llanelliwarriorsphotos.blogspot.com and search for "eleventhseason"
2006/07 P13 W9 D2 L2Club played their 125th match and retained the CMG cup. They toured Scotland in 2007 were they beat a Jed Forest Select XV including former British Lions scrum half Gary Armstrong.Captain: Jason Jenkins, Player of the year:, Players Player:, Sportsman:, Top Points scorer:, Most Improved:, Records set: Richard Pegler scores 4 tries in match (v Cambrian)12th season extras: http://llanelliwarriorsphotos.blogspot.com and search for "twelthseason"
2007/08 P12 W11 L1The Warriors extend their unbeaten run through from last season to 18 matches, winning all home matches in the process. Some former Llanelli Players turn out for a Dai Spriggs Memorial Select and the Warriors also play New Dock Stars on boxing day for the Dai Spriggs cup. The become 1st winners thanks to a 45-41 victory.Captain: Tony Whittaker, Player of the year:, Players Player:, Sportsman:, Top Points scorer:, Most Improved:, Records set:13th season extras: http://llanelliwarriorsphotos.blogspot.com/search?q="thirteenthseason"
2008/09Captain Jonathan Kerr, Player of the year: Anthony Randall, Players Player:Darren Pollitt, Sportsman:Neil Parker, Top Points scorer: Jon Kerr, Most Improved: Rob Hughes, Retained Dai Spriggs cup and triumphed in Cefneithin Anniversary Cup
2nd trip to Scotland, this time to Edinburgh: http://llanelliwarriorsphotos.blogspot.com/2009/02/scotland-tour-additional.html
2009/2010
Played 8 matches losing only away to Gwlad. Retained the Dai Spriggs Cup and Cefenithin Cup. 1st season didn't play the Swansea Gladiators. New kit provided by Tinopolis tv company. Jumpin' John Horwood took the apperance record past 150
Captain Simon Jenkins, Player of the year: Rob Hughes, Players' Player: Simon Jenkins, Sportsman: Jason Bennett, Most Improved: Nathan Lawson, Top Points Scorer: Simon Jenkins.
Full season review: http://llanelliwarriorsphotos.blogspot.com/2010/07/season-review-20092010.html
The next season saw a further rematch, this time on the main field at Stradey. The game was played under lights, refereed by international official Robert G Davies and Craig Quinell made the after match presentations. The match was a high scoring 32 all draw and much of it was televised as part of the S4C Heno programme (team picture above right featuring spectators Garan Evans and Gareth Jenkins). Although they played no other fixtures in this season the interest generated provided the impetus for the team to go 'full time'.Captain:Raymond Millet
1997/98 saw the team become independant of Heol Goffa and training moved from a patch of grass at the back of the centre, to the famous Stradey Park. 7 fixtures were played against various opposition including WRU member club Burry Port. The away fixture against the Gladiators was played as a curtain raiser to the Swansea - Llanelli match. The club obtained their own kit for the 1st time through a donation from Llanelli RFC. A creditable playing record of won 3 lost 4 was achivied and the season ended on a high when the club re gained the Challenge Shield at Stradey Park. A Presentation Evening was held with Dean Gilasbey named as the club's 1st Player of the Year.Captain: Raymond Millet, Player of the year: Dean Gilasbey, Players Player: David Newson, Sportsman: Colin Talcon, Top Points scorer: Edward Williams, Most Improved: John HorwoodRecords set (include): Edward Williams - 12 points in a match.3rd season extra: http://llanelliwarriorsphotos.blogspot.com and search for "thirdseason"
1998/99 Saw 12 fixtures played including a match against the Welsh Deaf XV and an impressive record of won 7 drew 3 and lost 2 illustrated the improvments the team was making. The season also saw the club produce a match programme for the 1st time.The home match against the Gladiators was played as a curtain raiser to Nigel Davies/Stuart Davies' Turks v Jacks testimonial.Captain: David Newson, Player of the year: Robert Bevan, Players Player: David Newson, Sportsman: Darel Watkins, Top Points scorer: David Spriggs, Most Improved: John Horwood, Records set: Dai Spriggs scores club's 1st drop goal (away to Betws)4th season extras: http://llanelliwarriorsphotos.blogspot.com and search for "fourthseason"
1999/00 The season playing record read: Played 12 Won 7 Lost 5 which included 3 prestigious matches against the Gladiators played as part of the Swansea RFC World Cup Village, a curtain raiser to Lions v New Zealand Legends match and as part of Rupert Moon's testimonial. The club went on its 1st tour to Teignmouth in Devon, the 1st 'Challenge rugby' match in england.Match records were set when Dai Newson (and later Lee Rowlands) scored the club's 1st hatrick of tries, Dai Spriggs netted 19 points in the club's 57-5 win over the White Lion and the club managed it's 1st 'clean sheet' when it kept Burry Port pointless with a 14-0 win.Captain: David Newson, Player of the year:, Players Player: Gary James, Sportsman: Chris Bonar, Top Points scorer: David Spriggs, Most Improved: Jason Jenkins, Other records set: Dai Spriggs drop goal
2000/01 P13 W11 D1 L1, the 11 wins coming consecutivley. Dai Spriggs scored 20 points in a match and Stephen Walley scored 3 tries. New records for highest score (60 - 32 v Dura Cables) and biggest winning margin 52 - 0 against Llanelli Hospital). Club tour went to Southend. Captain: David Newson, Player of the year: Des Williams, Players Player: Edward Williams, Sportsman: Nigel Merrick, Top Points scorer: David Spriggs, Most Improved: Colin Talcon, Other records set: Dai Spriggs set new records for conversions (38) and penalties (5) in season.
2001/02 P16 W 9 L7 Season includes the teams 50th fixture and their 25th at Stradey Park. Dai Newson and John Horwood become 1st players to make 50 apperances. Lee Jones scores 3 triesCaptain: David Newson, Player of the year: Meredith Pugh, Players Player: John Horwood, Sportsman: Mike James, Top Points scorer: David Spriggs, Most Improved: Roger Thomas, 7th season extras: http://llanelliwarriorsphotos.blogspot.com and search for "seventhseason"
2002/03 P12 W4 D1 L7. Warriors win their openning fixture for the 1st time. Both matches with the Gladiators are played as curtain raisers.Captain: John Horwood, Player of the year: David Edwards, Players Player: Roger Thomas, Sportsman: Alun Stephens, Top Points scorer: David Spriggs, Most Improved: Gareth McKibbon8th season extras: http://llanelliwarriorsphotos.blogspot.com search "eigthseason"
2003/04 P12 W6 L6 Radio Wales broadcasts 3 part programme on the Warriors and GladiatorsCaptain: Jason Jenkins, Player of the year: David Newson, Players Player: David Newson, Sportsman: Richard Evans, Top Points scorer: Simon Jenkins, Most Improved: Colin Talcon, 9th season extras: http://llanelliwarriorsphotos.blogspot.com and search for "ninthseason"
2004/05 P23 W17 D1 L5 The club celebrated it's 10th season with a 3 match tour of New Zealand where they followed the Lions whilst winning their own matches including a 'test' match against the only similar team in New Zealand - The South Auckland Kiwis. The season also saw the Warriors play their 100th fixture and players David Newson and then John Horwood became the 1st players to make 100 apperances for the club. The tour was featured on NZTV and S4C programme Hacio also featured the team.An exstensive article on the team in Rugby World Magazine helped enspire the Saracens Brave Herts team to become the 1st challenge rugby team in england. Warriors help Pantyffynnon celebrate their new floodlights where Jonathan Kerr scores 3 tries a feat he repeats twice before Jonathan Jones sets a new club record with 4 in one match. This comes with a new record highest total as the Warriors beat Crosshands' Kwik Save 70-36. Jon Kerr sets a match recors with 23 points against an Opposition Select XV.Captain: Colin Talcon, Player of the year: Simon Jenkins, Players Player: Jonathan Kerr, Sportsman: David Edwards, Top Points scorer: Jonathan Kerr, Most Improved: Tony Whittaker, Other records set: Rhys Bersley scores drop goal. Jon Kerr scores 15 tries and 134 points in season.10th season extras: http://llanelliwarriorsphotos.blogspot.com search "tenthseason"
2005/06 P12 W9 D1 L2Club remain unbeaten at home for the 1st time and also played their 50th match at Stradey. They host their 1st touring side, the Challenege rugby team the Saracens Brave Herts and beat them 41-17 to claim the CMG cup. This is followed by a rare away win to claim the Challenge Shield from the Swansea Gladiators and coupled with their summer win over the South Auckland Kiwis (who had previously beaten Australian and Japanese opposition) they were able to claim the ttile - best Challenge rugby side in the world.
Over the summer former Warriors full back David Spriggs passes away in his sleep. David Played his final match against Burry Port Classics and although illness forced him to retire he stated he hoped it would be temporary. He held numerous club records and had also coached the side. Amongst various marks of respect the Warriors retired the No15 jersey and in place of the Challenge Shield the Gladiators put up the Dai Spriggs Memorial Shield. See also entry in Past Players Section.Captain: Roger Thomas, Player of the year: Roger Thomas, Players Player: Simon Jenkins, Sportsman: Chris Spriggs, Top Points scorer: Simon Jenkins, Most Improved: David Edwards, 11th season extras: http://llanelliwarriorsphotos.blogspot.com and search for "eleventhseason"
2006/07 P13 W9 D2 L2Club played their 125th match and retained the CMG cup. They toured Scotland in 2007 were they beat a Jed Forest Select XV including former British Lions scrum half Gary Armstrong.Captain: Jason Jenkins, Player of the year:, Players Player:, Sportsman:, Top Points scorer:, Most Improved:, Records set: Richard Pegler scores 4 tries in match (v Cambrian)12th season extras: http://llanelliwarriorsphotos.blogspot.com and search for "twelthseason"
2007/08 P12 W11 L1The Warriors extend their unbeaten run through from last season to 18 matches, winning all home matches in the process. Some former Llanelli Players turn out for a Dai Spriggs Memorial Select and the Warriors also play New Dock Stars on boxing day for the Dai Spriggs cup. The become 1st winners thanks to a 45-41 victory.Captain: Tony Whittaker, Player of the year:, Players Player:, Sportsman:, Top Points scorer:, Most Improved:, Records set:13th season extras: http://llanelliwarriorsphotos.blogspot.com/search?q="thirteenthseason"
2008/09Captain Jonathan Kerr, Player of the year: Anthony Randall, Players Player:Darren Pollitt, Sportsman:Neil Parker, Top Points scorer: Jon Kerr, Most Improved: Rob Hughes, Retained Dai Spriggs cup and triumphed in Cefneithin Anniversary Cup
2nd trip to Scotland, this time to Edinburgh: http://llanelliwarriorsphotos.blogspot.com/2009/02/scotland-tour-additional.html
2009/2010
Played 8 matches losing only away to Gwlad. Retained the Dai Spriggs Cup and Cefenithin Cup. 1st season didn't play the Swansea Gladiators. New kit provided by Tinopolis tv company. Jumpin' John Horwood took the apperance record past 150
Captain Simon Jenkins, Player of the year: Rob Hughes, Players' Player: Simon Jenkins, Sportsman: Jason Bennett, Most Improved: Nathan Lawson, Top Points Scorer: Simon Jenkins.
Full season review: http://llanelliwarriorsphotos.blogspot.com/2010/07/season-review-20092010.html
RSS Feeds