2020 sees the 25th anniversary of what is the oldest Mixed Ability fixture in the world and true to the traditions it was another full bloodied encounter. For the 1st time the venue was Bonymaen RFC who stepped in late in the day to host the match. Recent rain had led the pitch sticky and there was a fair wind blowing but the worst weather condition was the low winter sun which was blinding when it shine through.

The two teams wasted no time getting to grips with each other and after some early forays the Gladiators scored the 1st try. The Warriors backs held up to a few combinations of moves but a chip behind, although it initially seemed covered, saw the fly half win the race and open the scoring.

The Warriors hit back almost immediately. The backs were having to attack from deep but a couple of sweeping moves proved that they were dangerous. Busy centre Ben Win made the most of one of these when he forced his way through a couple of tackles and Darren Pollitt's conversion brought the scores level.

Having worked once, the Gladiators 2nd try was a copy of their 1st, a chip through and touch down putting them back ahead in a busy opening quarter. The Warriors couldn't quite repeat their feat. They pressed hard and turned down a penalty in front of the posts but the Gladiators cleared the pressure and that was the scoring done for a long time.

The Gladiators big pack helped them to dominate territory for the rest of the half against a Warriors eight that seemed a little lethargic at times. The half time break and a number of substitutions changed that though. The introduction of Lloyd Crawley saw a vast improvement in rucking and he was ably assisted by Tom Ashour and Dan Grinter. The start of the 2ns half saw the Warriors again pressing hard and going close to scoring.

The Gladiators backs showed the same aptitude as the Warriors for flowing moves though and missed a couple of tries with last ditch defence and wayward passing. With it still being a one score game, tension mounted as both sides had opportunities. Eventually though the Gladiators got the try and with time running out it proved to be enough to see them home.

The Warriors could seek solace in several aspects of their performance but the Gladiators claimed the spoils on this occasion.

Warriors XV: Gareth Ladd, Simon Day, Ben Winstanley, Adam Fussell (Ethan Walters), Nic Dcruz (James Anthony), Jamie Evans, Kieron Morgan, Mark Lewis (Dai Haines), Richard Evans (Cpt) (Dan Grinter), Colin Tacon (Richard Llewelyn, Dylan Crolla), Darren Pollitt (Thomas Ashour), Rhydian Williams (Lloyd Crawley), Luke Pearce (Jordan Jones), Chris Davies, Gwilym Lewis

Warriors Seren y gem: Lloyd Crawley.

A first trip to Bonymaen for the Warriors but not altogether a happy one. A frustrating game with some basic areas and some near misses but also some positives. Certainly the pack's efforts early in the 2nd half promises well. Big Rhyd (despite losing the ball just short of the line), Lloyd, Crolla, 1 Dap, Sideshow, Hapus and Ben Win all put in strong performances. Also a shout to little dick Rich Llew who played his first game in 3 years and made his 10th appearance.
Dick of the Day went to Simon Day who celebrated his 100th appearance by not touching the ball, or making a tackle but letting two tries be scored behind him. Nic Dcruz and his dropped passes can count himself lucky and there was a certain comedy element to watching Jamie hobbling about on one knee. Hapus also put in a late bid with a monumental strop when Ben chucked some cold water on him in the showers.

Not our day but full credit to the Gladiators and thanks to Bonymaen for hosting.
Nice to see Deano popping by to watch the match and have a catch up. No surprise he was frustrated not being involved and the advice hasn't changed much ;)