Rugby - Friendly

Betws 22 Llanelli Warriors 32

The Warriors put in an impressive performance to see off a spirited Betws side in an enthralling encounter at Heol Felin.

The Warriors kept good structure throughout with the coaches pleased to see the hard work of training replicated on the field. They overcame a combined Betws side made up of Youth, First and Seconds team players that struggled to find cohesion.

The Warriors started strongly and although they missed an early penalty opportunity, they soon saw Nathan Lawson break clear from a maul to open the scoring.

New Captain Graham Mosser improved the score and Simon Jenkins slotted a penalty to seal a strong opening quarter.

Betws though found some gaps out wide as the half progressed and Jonny Nunn streaked away for a long-range try to open their account and captain for the day Tony Whittaker slotted the conversion.

With several players having represented both teams there was a lot of reputations and pride on line and plenty of physicality.

Cellan Davies was one of several Betws players pushing the boundaries and this indiscipline helped the Warriors dominate territory.

Nunn got a second long range effort but it was countered by Karl Davies carving through midfield while Lawson was rewarded for another strong burst, ensuring the Warriors were ahead at the break.

The second half was a bit more fragmented which suited Betws and more composure would have seen them add to their tally.

Steffan Charles got a rare close-range score and Josh Thomas latched onto a neat kick ahead from Dan Madge to crown a flowing move.

Elsewhere, Steffan James and Rhys Williams threw their weight around effectively for the hosts and scrum half Ian Davies kept play flowing.

The Warriors set piece though was strong throughout with Andrew Davies having an impressive debut in the second row and Karl Davies again crossed from a set move from the scrum.

The balance swung decisively towards the visitors when excellent referee Derrick Morgan ran out of patience with the Betws infringements and Jamie Evans saw yellow.

A man down, Betws struggled to maintain the Warriors free-flowing game and Gwilym Lewis was rewarded for excellent support play with a try against his regular team.

The battle raged until the 80th minute with Richard Evans, Darren Pollitt, David Jones (Warriors) and Richard Griffiths and Ian Betton (Betws) showing up well right to the final whistle.