Lewi Memorial Match gets Festivities underway

By Gwilym Lewis

The Warriors edged through in this quality encounter in memory of Lewi.

With Christmas around the corner, there was a festive atmosphere to this special match held in memory of village legend, Lewis Jones.
Felinfoel and the Llanelli Warriors held a special memorial match for well known Foel resident Lewi Jones on Saturday. There was a good turn out to watch this game and with Christmas just around the corner a festive spirit prevailed.
There is no doubt the little linesman would have enjoyed the banter as much as the rugby as both teams played with smiles on their collective faces.
Although there was no shortage of physical stuff, the emphasis was on fast paced rugby which was enjoyable for all.
The Warriors put on the early pressure as Foel eased themselves into the game. The home team dealt with numerous forward surges but eventually wing Sam Huish was worked into just enough room to squeeze in for the opening try.
The Warriors looked dangerous again from the kick off but Foel hit back with an interception try from fully 60 meters. This seemed to spur the home team and they began to spin the ball about with abandon.
This resulted in an open game with all for wings kept busy. The Warriors scored the next try was a driving maul but that was the exception.
The Foel backs strode through for a quick response and edge ahead. The home team broke through several times and would have scored more if not for some frantic defending led by full back Dan John.

For the Warriors Dai Haines and Tomos Hall carried hard all game while Lewis Rumble and Stuart Taylor stood out for Felinfoel.
The match was in doubt to the end but with the Warriors able to introduce the likes of Yanis Whiteley and Youssef El Tawab they were able to maintain the presence right to the end.
James Duke got the crucial score, finding a gap at a ruck he sprinted clear to secure a Warriors win.
The game was as much about the occasion though with a good turnout to watch. Rupert Moon praised the efforts of both teams and Lewi's brother Tom thanked the teams for turning out.
Warriors: Dan John, Simon Day, Adam Fussell, Johnathon Kearney, Sam Huish, Jamie Evans, Ben Winstanley, Dai Haines (Gareth Emery), Richard Evans (Cpt.) (James Duke), Will Browne (Colin Tacon, Youssef El Tawab), John Horwood, Darren Pollitt, Nathan Lawson, Tomos Hall (Tony Whittaker), Gwilym Lewis (Yanis Whitely)

The first match with Foel - but definitely not the last! A really good and fun game to play in, more free beer than we could drink (literally) and a packed clubhouse in the Christmas spirit.
Despite trying to name Darren Pollitt (non catching 2nd row) and John Horwood (go low - not that low!), Jamie was overwhelmingly voted Dick of the Day (3 shit kicks). On a more positive front Captain Hapus had lots of candidates for Man of the Match. Amongst the forwards he nominated Tomos Hall, Yanis, Dai nosaur and Lawson quickly and from the backs "...…..er…...Ben?" Anyway Dai won the nomination but luckily didn't get sucked into a very messy looking Foel Christmas Kangaroo Court