Warriors Escape to Victory

Cefneithin looked to have secured a late draw only for the Warriors to escape and score again in a fascinating contest for the Anniversary Cup.

When late in the game Cefneithin were awarded a kickable penalty that would draw the game there was a general feeling that it would be a fair result in a contest that had been blow for blow all the way.

The Warriors had scored first, Simon Day capitalising on Dan John's good work but Cefneithin hit back through Mathew Green and then went ahead through Jac Rodgers before Jordan Jones got over for the Warriors. It was that type of game, both sides playing with abandon and defence often wrong footed by the unorthodox nature of the play. Discipline didn't help the home team's cause but with Dan Bonar pulling the strings they led after a frantic first half despite the entire Warriors back row scoring, missed conversions hindering the visitors.

The 2nd half was equally competitive. Cefneithin edged the lineouts but Ben Win won some good turnovers in midfield as neither side could break away. Cefn were in front more often, James Goronw scoring the pick of their tries but the Warriors stayed in touch with Andrew Davies scoring a crucial try just when it seemed Cefneithin might stretch away. With time running out and down to 14 men, the Warriors managed to force a lineout and then powerfully drove over to edge in front with the clock almost on red. Back came Cefneithin but the Warriors defence was resolute. It appeared the Warriors had forced the error only for the ref to award a penalty which Cefn elected to kick. Already in injury time the kick slide just to the right of the posts and the Warriors had the audacity to attack again. After several phases the overlap was worked and debutant winger Nathan Jones dived over in the corner to end a frantic game.

Another great day at Cefneithin both on and off the field. There is always a sense of occasion at Cefneithin but it was certainly heightened with legendary prop Chris Bonar coming along to watch and joined by other former players Adrian Payne and Alan Taylor. Mother’s Day had it’s effect on numbers much to the surprise of Cefneithin’s head honcho Dai Juniors (“I didn’t realise so many of our players had Mothers”) but it was an opportunity for others with Nathan Jones making his debut and Chip able to jump up a level for the weekend. Thanks also to Simon Jenkins & Tony Whittaker who let Polly and Bambi have some valuable kicking practise. Simon Day celebrated Mothers’ Day by bringing Margaret for a day out in Cefneithin but many didn’t recognise Simon without Soffia superglued next to him.

During the game Polly did well under pressure in the lineouts, Ben Win won some good turnovers and Thomas Ash was excellent on his wing. We still conceded some turnovers because we weren’t low enough and we again let in a lot of points. A mention for our Team Manager for the day: Big Rhydian, it’s great to see a player supporting when injured, diolch big guy. Good fun in the clubhouse afterwards thanks to a comfortable Welsh win, even if some players need to go on a refs course. Finally the Warriors again benefited from Cefneithin’s generosity with £350 donated. With next year being the 20th Anniversary we look forward to a big weekend.

Team: Dan John, Simon Day (Nathan Jones), Adam Davies (Johnathan Kearney), Ben Winstanley, Thomas Ashour (Tony Whittaker), Jamie Evans, Gwilym Lewis, Mark Lewis (Gareth McKibbon), Richard Evans (Cpt), Colin Tacon, Darren Pollitt, John Horwood (Andrew Davies), Jordan Jones, Simon Jenkins, Liam Tobias,
Tries: Day, Kearney, J Jones, An Davies, Tobias, Jenkins, N Jones
Conversions: Pollitt, An Davies
Man of the Match: R Evans
Team Manager: Rhydian Williams