Warriors complete comeback in epic encounter

Running rugby spectacular at Burry Port between the Eddas and the Warriors.

This annual exhibition/training match between the former Primary Education students of Trinity College and the Warriors has now thrown up three great matches, at tis one was probably the best yet.

The Eddas, as ever came with the ambition to play rugby first and help the Warrios secondly, winning was an aim, but behind enjoying the occasion. In an all action game they severely tested the Warriors defence and scored some great tries.

The match started at 100mph and within 10 minutes the Eddas were two tries to the good with Daf Jones catching the Warriors napping at a ruck and Geraint Denman storming over, both neatly converted by Lewis Kenney.

The Warriors had to step up but they kept possession, utilising the strong carrying of Dai Haines, Tomos Hall and Mark Lewis. This made some room for the backs and Simon Jenkins stepped through to get them off the mark.

The Eddas held the upper hand throughout the first half though. Jamie Evans and Craig James scored for the Warriors but it was against the tide. Ben Farrell rounded off a sweeping move with Dion Mitchell-Lewis and Steffan Arthur contributing to keep them ahead and with Henry Frost and Steffan Davies playing well, Laytham Junior was able to benefit with a neat try.

The second half was also quick. Lloyd Crawley and James Duke added impetus to the Warriors efforts and they got an early try through Yanis Whitely to keep them in the hunt. Some improved rucking with Gareth Ladd to the fore helped the Warriors cause and they began to give as good as they got. A key battle was had on the wing. Ben Kitson tried his best but the Warriors Dylan Crolla out in three thumping tackles and then scored a fine try himself.

Kitson did eventually score and with just 10 minutes left, Jones got a second Aled Walters looked to have secured another win for the Eddas when he ended a fine thrust.

Back though came the Warriors and Tomos Hall bowled his way through to the line. The conversion went wide which left the Warriors two points behind with three minutes on the clock. From the kick off they swung the ball wide and threatened again, it took a lucky bounce and a great angle but Craig James found a gap and scampered over with the last play of the game.

Whitley added the conversion to seal the win in a game that was obviously enjoyable to play in. Both teams had displayed a full range of skills and the Eddas had the satisfaction of knowing that they could quite easily have won.

Warriors: Tom Edwards, Thomas Ashour (Dylan Crolla), Ben Winstanley (Cpt), Johnathan Kearney, Joshua Crowther (James Duke), Jamie Evans (Nathan Murphy), Craig James, Mark Lewis (Luke Pearce), Simon Jenkins (Jason Jenkins), Colin Tacon (Tomos Hall), John Horwood (Rhydian Williams), Gareth Ladd (Lloyd Crawley), Gwilym Lewis, Dai Haines, Yanis Whitley.

Man of the Match: Dai Haines & Jamie Miller

Ref: The wise and wonderful Gary James

A great game - many thanks to the Eddas for the spirit they played the match in. It was great to see Ken Bitson back...and being smashed by Crolla (x3), the Tominator, Crowther, Ladd and Gwil. Dylan also Crolla-ed over him twice (tho to be fair he did score in the end).

Other things we learnt; Yanis doesn't like scrums, Dion's not a full back, Yanis doesn't like scrums, Steff Arthur can't afford socks, Paternal love is blind to knock ons, Yanis doesn't like scrums and Henry Frost was Eddas dick of the day.

Afterwards we all packed into the clubhouse for Wales to squeeze past Scotland to keep the Grand Slam a possibility (and we still don't have a game for next week!) and some top speeches.