After rousing anthems the game kicked off and despite the poor conditions both sides showed plenty of intent. The early exchanges saw the sides testing each other but defences were uncompromising and held firm for the 1st quarter. The Big Bumbles pack put a lot of pressure on the Warriors at the break down with Kevin Pringle and Rupert Spode prominent. The Warriors were stretched but resolute tackling in mid field with Ryan Morgan trying hard, saw them hold off early Bumble Bee attacks. The slippery field and ball didn’t help either side and it was obvious the first score would be crucial.

The Warriors backline looked sharp from the start with Graham Mosser doing well on his wing. The breakthrough came when Karl Davies was worked clear on the blindside and although his mazy run was stopped short quick recycling saw Luke Jenkins just able to twist over.

The Warriors seemed to gain some confidence from this and with Pollitt and Horwood dominating the line out they had more of the possession and territory. They couldn’t add to the score though, Gareth Ladd feeling one of the many hard tackles the Bumbles dished out.

A narrow lead at half time then and with both sides able to bring on fresh legs there was no let-up in intensity. Slightly against the run of play there was a Captain’s try for Eric Horridge driven over by his hard working pack. It was still very attritional with Jagatr Bakra getting through good work for the visitors and Rob Cannon tireless. The close nature of the contest and with passions running high there were several penalties, the Warriors in particular guilty of backchat. Luckily for the Welsh team they didn’t give away anything kickable whilst the Warriors pressure brought two in front of the posts with Simon Jenkins duly converted.

Suddenly the Warriors had a decent lead and three quarters of the match had been played. The Bumbles weren’t finished though and strong work up front saw them wrestle their way up field and a strong drive saw them power over the Warriors line for the impressive Paul Wyatt to score.

The Warriors though finished strongly with Luke Jenkins showing good football skills to hack through and score and with the last move of the game Jamie Evans strode through to give the scoreline a flattering look.

The Warriors were jubilant at the final whistle to reclaim the H Bomb and keep it in Wales for at least 12 months but both sides were a credit to integrated rugby. Wyatt was named Bumbles best player whilst for the Warriors; Horwood edged out Pollitt and rampaging flanker Sion Bennett.

Llanelli Warriors: Dean (Andrew), Ryan Morgan (Graham Mosser), Karl Davies, Alun Stephens, Gareth Ladd (Ronan Lewis), Luke Jenkins, Jamie Evans, Gareth McKibbon (Colin Talcon, David Jones, Chris Hancock), Eric Horridge (Jason Bennett Aled Richards, Chris Edmunds) Mike James (Mark Lewis, Dion Mitchell-Lewis), Darren Pollitt (John Horwood, Wayne Gravelle) Rhydian Williams Mike Seignot), Sion Bennett (Richard Taylor), Simon Jenkins, Gwilym Lewis

Bradford & Bingley Bumble Bee Barbarians (no order): Ahsan Sakandar, Jagtar Bakra, George Morris, Darryl Wilson, Leon Taylor, Martino Corazza, Dan Bayliss, Sean Gardner, Lee Hainsworth, Paul Wyatt, Jim Scott, Simon Myers, Martin Hogeson, Ross McUlrich, Andy Collis, Mark Gray, Ryan Kirby, Rupert Spode, Robert Cannon, Kevin Pringle, Michael Steadman, Jake Goodwin, Mark Goodwin, James Moore, Ben Hall, Dan Cookson.