Warriors can't slay the Dragons at Parc y Scarlets

At the invitation of Scarlets Community Foundation, the Llanelli Warriors hosted their rivals from the Dragons region – the All-Stars in what was a feisty encounter.

Although it was a bright day, there was a strong wind throughout which hampered play somewhat. The Warriors have had an enforced break recently and were a bit rusty starting whilst the Dragons were quickly into their stride. Using their large pack to carry close, they pounded the Warriors line and got an early reward when Rob Nicholls powered over.
The pressure was relentless in the 1st quarter and it was only some staunch defence on the line that kept the Warriors in the game at this point. It was inevitable that another score would come, Callum House again going route one to the line.
When the Warriors did get the ball, they gave an indication of what they could do. Jamie Evans made a magnificent break from his own line and when the cover finally did get to him, Simon Day was able to latch onto a kick through to score under the posts.
It was a strange game in that little rugby was played in the middle of the field with either one side or the other seemingly always on the point of scoring. The Warriors finished the half strongly but couldn’t get over the line as the Dragons frustrated them with Gary Thomas doing well.
Excellent referee Colin Saunders had to be on point when things got heated and the physicality saw a number of injuries. For the Dragons scrum half Dan Evans did will whilst there was a battle royal on the wings between visitors Ryan Pyart and Callum Hodges against Warriors Tom Ashour and Simon Day. Tomos Hall was again excellent for the Warriors and Darren Pollitt got stuck in.
Chad Carr got the next score to keep the Dragons in front, but as the game progressed the Warriors backs came into their own. Scrum half Craig James snipped through and centre Johnathon Kearney rounded off a strong move. At the other end the All Stars were gifted a score when Evans lost the ball in a tackle, Mark Hodges Scoring and Dan Evans converting.
The Warriors were pressing to the end but when the Dragons broke out and Ryan Mahoney scored it was a done deal and the Gwent team saw out the last few minutes to secure victory.
The Warriors will rue their malfunctioning lineout but had no complaints with the result. Both sides enjoyed the Scarlets match together and will meet again on April 29th at the Principality Stadium.

Llanelli Warriors: Dan John (Gareth Ladd), Tom Ashour, Ben Win (Nathan Murphy), Adam Fussell (Johnathon Kearney), Simon Day, Jamie Evans, Gwilym Lewis (Craig James), Mark Lewis (Dai Haines), Rich Hapus (James Duke, Dan Grinter), Will Browne (Colin Tacon), John Horwood (Darren Pollitt), Lloyd Crawley (Rhydian Williams), Simon Jenkins, Tomos Hall (Yanis Whitely), Jordan Jones (Luke Pearce),

Warriors Scores: Tries: Simon Day, Craig James, Johnathon Kearney. Conversion: Simon Jenkins. Seren y Gem: Tomos Hall
Dragons Scores: Tries: Rob Nicholls, Callum House, Chad Carr, Mark Hodges, Ryan Mahoney. Conversion: Dan Evans

Ref: Colin Saunders

A lovely sunny day on the windswept training pitch at Parc y Scarlets another large squad assembled to take on the Dragons (even if some of them were bloody late).
A big Dragons side up front it was tough work for the forwards especially. Tom Ashour was strong on his wing and Tarw, Dirty, Tomonater and even Daydream got some decent tackles in.
There was no shortage of walking wounded; Luke Pearce, Yanis, Tomo, Haines, Polly... even Tuft almost got on the field.
Skill of the day, despite strong competition from Dragon's Gareth Sullivan (crap kick/knocked out), Polly and Tarw (Rocky lll moments) and Daydream trying to rip the ball away from Kearney as he scored, went (again) to Mr. Dick of the Day - Jamie Harold Big Nose Evans who virtually gave his opposite number the ball 3 yards from his own line.

After a wee drink in the barn, it was into Parc y Orgell (Fridge) (if you hadn't put your ticket in your bag, and your bag on the bus...) to watch the Scarlets see off Zebre (eventually) in some style. One's enjoyment of this almost directly correlated to how many layers you wore - hence the Dragons boys weren't enjoying.

All in all a great rugby occasion. Thanks to Chris Gumz at Scarlets and Dai Arthur (WRU) for the opportunity and the food, and to the All Stars for a cracking game of rugby - looking forward to round three at the Millennium Stadium in a couple of weeks!