Thrilling win for Warriors
THERE was a festive atmosphere to a special match between Felinfoel and Llanelli Warriors held in memory of Felinfoel village legend Lewis Jones.
There was a good turnout to watch the game and there is no doubt the little linesman would have enjoyed the banter as much as the rugby as both teams played with smiles on their faces.
Although there was no shortage of physical stuff, the emphasis was on fast-paced rugby which was enjoyable for all.
The Warriors put on the early pressure as Foel eased themselves into the game. The home team dealt with numerous forward surges but eventually wing Sam Huish was worked into just enough room to squeeze in for the opening try.
The Warriors looked dangerous again from the kick-off but Foel hit back with an interception try from 60 metres. This seemed to spur on the home team and they began to spin the ball about with abandon.
The Warriors scored the next try through a driving maul but that was the exception.
The Foel backs strode through for a quick response and edged ahead. The home team broke through several times and would have scored more had it not been for some frantic defending led by full-back Dan John.
For the Warriors, Dai Haines and Tomos Hall carried hard, while Lewis Rumble and Stuart Taylor stood out for Felinfoel.
The result was in doubt right to the end, but with the Warriors able to introduce the likes of Yanis Whiteley and Youssef El Tawab they were able to maintain their presence until the final whistle.
James Duke got the crucial score when he found a gap at a ruck and sprinted clear to secure a 34-26 Warriors win.
The game was as much about the occasion as the result, though, and Rupert Moon praised the efforts of both teams and Lewi’s brother Tom thanked the teams for turning out.
The photo above shows Rupert Moon, Warriors’ Gwilym Lewis and Richard Evans, Lewi’s brother Tommy Jones and his niece Heledd.