Warrriors claim cup in a thriller
MAN of the match Yanis Whiteley helped inspire Llanelli Warriors to reclaim the Origin Cup at Burry Port with a 64-43 victory.
It completed an impressive Christmas for the mixed ability team, complementing their earlier victories at Felinfoel and Betws.
The fast-paced contest certainly blew away any overnight cobwebs or hangovers from 2018.
In truth it wasn’t the most physical encounter, with both sides looking to move the ball and a Barbarians-style match soon evolved.
The defending may have been poor at times, but some sublime attacking skills were exhibited as more than 100 points were scored.
The Warriors started strongly with the powerful and direct running of Dai Haines bringing the prop two early tries. Wing James Duke continued his rich vein of form with a sharp try in the corner.
Burry Port got on the scoresheet through Simon Day, who had a busy game for the home team.
This set the tone for the contest, with the ball spun around the field and everyone looking for space.
Lindsey Lewis had a fine game for Burry Port, his strong carrying a feature of the game and he was good value for his scores.
Captain Colin Tacon scored an extraordinary try when he chased a kick-off, ripped the ball away and stormed over despite the attentions of three attackers.
Steve Lew showed off his handling skills, keeping the ball away from contact, and the back play was generally spicy.
It was the Warriors day, though.
Whiteley roamed the field looking for players to cut down and he was well supported by solid defence from Crawley and Pollitt.
It was his defence that helped him secure the man-of-thematch award, though he also bagged 16 points through two tries and three conversions.
Tom Ashour scored two impressive tries and Luke Crawley showed good pace down the wing.
Burry Port kept going to the end and had the last word. Day darted through a gap, but a try-saving tackle from Youseff El Talwab thwarted his effort, only for the forwards to drive in and claim the score.
It brought an excellent match to a fitting end, and while both sides will be required to defend more stoutly in the future, they both showed they have razorsharp attacks.