RHYFELWYR LLANELLI WARRIORS

TYMOR 2017 - 2018 SEASON 6 Nations Series 2018 6 Nations Series 2018 Rhaglen Llanelli Warriors Primary Ed Primary £2 £2 (Y Drindod) V Programme

Personal Player sponsorship is still available

Ask committee for details Recent Result: London Welsh XV 38 53 Llanelli Warriors 10/2/18 The Warriors match against a social London Welsh 'invitation' XV was the 1st of three matches at Old Deer and so it was an early 10:30am kick off. The Warriors seemed wide awake though and they got a very early score when Nathan Murphy was worked into space and evaded the cover. Any idea that this was going to be an easy romp though were quickly dispelled. The Home forwards re gathered from the kick off and made enough room for Ty Sterry to scythe through from fly half. Both sides enjoy a reputation for open rugby and in great conditions, the crowd was kept entertained with plenty of movement from both teams. The Warriors were able to open a lead with Lawson borrowing in and Mark Lewis making amends for being held up once when he scored from close range. Although London Welsh hit back further tries saw the Warriors two clear tries ahead at the break.

Given the social aspects of touring, the Warriors were pleased to be able to utilise a large squad but it did cost them some momentum. It was the home side who started the 2nd half strongly. In a loose match, they kicked intelligently and found holes. It gained them not only field position by a fine try for Dave Langdon. Although the Warriors looked sharp on the counter attack, London Welsh fought their way back firstly to 31 all and then into a 38-36 lead entering the final quarter. Gareth Hawkins and Marcus West were putting their bodies on the line for the cause whilst Jawsie and Cai Griffiths added some neat touches.

With the prize slipping from their grasp, the Warriors stepped up their efforts. James Duke and Man of the Match Tomos Hall produced a much needed resurgence in the forwards and in a mad final flourish Captain Simon Day completed his hatrick and Jason Keighty scored a fine try.

In was an incredible win in a game that had swung back and forth and was a credit to both teams. The Warriors were extremely grateful to Cai Griffiths and his team for the fixture and the welcome they received at the famous club and plans are already underway for a return in 2020.

Llanelli Warriors: Lee Rowlands (Ben Griffiths), Tony Whittaker (Dan John), Jonathan Kearney (Adam Fussell), Ben Win (Nathan Murphy), Simon Day (Cpt.) (Jason Keighty), Jamie Evans (Arwel Thomas), Craig James (Jack Hert), Colin Tacon (Huw Jenkins, James Duke), John Horwood (Darren Pollitt), Andrew Davies, Jordan Jones (Nathan Lawson), Simon Jenkins (Tom Hall), Gwilym Lewis (Dai Haines). Tries: Day (3), Lawson (2), Keighty, Hall, M Lewis, Murphy, Conversions: S Jenkins (3), Whittaker (2), Thomas

Physio: Dave Usher Referee: Neil Wharton

A fantastic trip the Warriors have been officially invited back to London Welsh and we hope to full fill that in 2008 (even if Katy does go again!). First name on the bus will almost certainly be Simon Day who scored on Friday as well as his hatrick in the game. There were also storming performances from Polly, Tony Whittaker, Bambi and 2 guns though this was mainly on the dance floor. Ben Win tried his best to make the London Underground value for money with some free “entertainment” and apart from a massive club failure in the beer pong it couldn’t really have gone much better – book your places NOW!

Thanks to Cai Griffiths for taking to the field,Sonny Parker for his support and finally Gareth Hawkins who was instrumental in setting the weekend up.

All the photos (4 albums worth), stats and a report are on the club’s website www.llanelliwarriors.co.uk Llanelli Warriors’ Results and Fixtures 2017/18 Day Date Month Opponents and notes

Sat 5 August Burry Port W 19 26 Sat 19 August South Wales Police Falcons L 56 32 Sun 10 September Swansea Vikings L 7 55 Sun 17 September WRU Community Select L 35 34 Sun 8 October Aberavon Green Stars L 32 27 Sun 15 October Betws W 53 54 Sat 11 November Pantyffynnon W 29 31 Sat 25 November Cardiff Chiefs L 24-22 Sun 26 November Llanishen L 15-25 Sat 26 December Betws D 25 all Sat 31 December Burry Port L 42 30 Sun 14 January Swansea Gladiators W 24-7 Sat 3 Feb Ferryside (Wales v Scotland) D 12 all Sat 10 Feb London Welsh (Tour) (Wales v england) W 38-53 Sun 24 Feb Trinity Primary Ed (Wales v Ireland) Sun 11 March Cefneithin (Wales Italy) Sat 17 March Rhiwbina (Wales v France) July Bumble Bee Barbarians (Bradford) 7s and touch tournaments For all appearance records and statistics visit www.llanelliwarriors.co.uk

Ability Rugby International: Championship Winners 2015/16 Carmarthenshire Team of the Year 2017 Origin Cup & Anniversary Cup Winners 2016/17

Ability Rugby International – See the Facebook page Croeso Mawr ichi gyd

Today we welcome back the Students of Trinity College Carmarthen’s Primary Education Course and their invitational XV. After a successful fixture/training game last season, where we all learned a lot, we look forward to a repeat today. We hope that whilst enjoying the rugby, you take the concept of integrated rugby with you through your studies and to wherever life then takes you. As well as our 2nd fixture today we would like to thank the Eddas for participating in our last 2 7s tournaments and we look forward to catching up later on. Whilst we haven’t finalised the date of our 7s this season, we very much hope you will come along again (2nd May Bank Holiday is hot favourite)

I need to first thank all those who made the trip to London Welsh recently, such a happy and successful trip. The rugby result was the least of it (awesome though that was). A great weekend on and off the field with all conducting themselves admirably. I am pleased to say that London Welsh have publicly invited us back for 2020 and we hope to fulfil that. The various photos are well worth checking out even if you weren’t there and no doubt there will be many stories being retold in the clubhouse later. It would be remiss not to mention the rugby though, 50 points is a good day in anyone's book yet it was hard to pick out a man of the match – congratulations all. Special mentions to Simon Day on being Captain and all that scoring, Jamie Evans on his 100th appearance and Fudge who passed Chris Bonar’s position making him the 2nd most capped prop after the legendary Colin Tacon.

Wales were neither as good or as lucky as the Warriors on that weekend, but still there was plenty to be optimistic about and a win in Dublin is within their capabilities even if Ireland will start as strong favourites. Rather than the TMO, thoughts should be on some wayward kicking and the number of turnovers lost. Both a very rectifiable even without the experienced players returning to action. If you aren’t at the ground then a Welsh clubhouse is the next best place to watch the game and we hope everyone will join us back at Burry Port to review our match and cheer on Wales.

It’s good to be back at Burry Port and support our host club in their bid to buy their ground. Please keep an eye for the various events and support where you can.

Tomorrow we make our 2nd trip of the season to the Scrum V studios. Hopefully some air time as well, but always good to see how it all works. (Meet Town Hall 4pm, live on air at 6pm)

Off field we have had another successful disco since the last match and there are plans for a continuous stream of events throughout the season. Please keep an eye on the website for full details.

With Shufflebottoms joining RDH Haulage as our new sponsors, there is only limited room for other companies to join, please let us know if you would like a logo. It’s a great cause and with the exploits of the team often gaining national coverage it’s good value for money.

Back to today, a fixture to play in and a clubhouse to watch Wales in – Happy 6 Nations everyone

Good luck to all taking the field today,

Ymlaen y Rhyfelwyr! Ymlaen Y Cymry!

Gwilym Lewis (Chairman Llanelli Warriors RFC). Stat attack Playing record 2017-2018: Played 14, Won 5, Drawn 2, Lost 7. Playing record overall: Played 286, Won 176, Drawn 17, Lost 94. POSITIONAL RECORDS Position Most prolific player No 2nd most prolific No Prop Colin Tacon 160 Mark Fudge 70 Hooker Jason Jenkins 121 Rich Hapus 70 Lock John Horwood 260 Darren Pollitt 94 No 6 Nathan Lawson 53 Raymond Millett 35 No 7 Gwilym Lewis 173 Lee Rowlands 20 No 8 David Newson 106 Simon Jenkins 95 Simon ‘Tarw’ Jenkins No 9 Dean Gilasbey 68 Gwilym Lewis 66 No 10 Jonathan Jones 77 Jamie Evans 57 140th appearance today Centre Alun Stephens 130 Ben Winstanley 56 Wing Tony Whittaker 87 Meredith Pugh 62 Full back Dai Spriggs 80 Lee Rowlands 39

TOP TEN APPERANCES 1: John Horwood 261 2: Gwilym Lewis 254 3: Colin Tacon 205 4: Lee Rowlands 192 5: Richard Evans 188 6: Alun Stephens 150 7: Dean Gilasbey 142 8: Simon Jenkins 140 9: Jason Jenkins 132 10: Darren Pollitt 128 Significant appearances Last time: Colin Tacon 205, Jamie Evans 100, Bambi 75, Simon day 60, Craig James 40, Tom Hall, Dai Haines 35, James Duke 5 Today: Simon Jenkins 140, Willy Browne 35, Jordan Jones 30, Thomas Edwards 15, Adam Davies 10.

Record win: 57-5 White Lion, 52-0 Llanelli Hospital. Highest total: 70 vs Kwik Save Crosshands Longest unbeaten run: 18 matches, Consecutive wins: 11. Most points in game: 24, Jon Kerr vs Cefneithin Most tries in game: 4 Jonathan Jones (vs Kwik Save Crosshands), Jon Kerr (Cefneithin), Richard Pegler (Cambrian), Luke Jenkins (Gwlad) Drop goal: 1, Dai Spriggs vs Betws and vs Llandybie, Rhys Bersley vs Carterton Tries in season: Jonathan Kerr 15 (2004/05) Penalties in season: 5 David Spriggs (2000/01), Simon Jenkins (2013/14) Drop goals in season: 1 David Spriggs (twice), Rhys Bersley. Conversions in season: David Spriggs, 38 (2000/01) Points in a season: Jon Kerr, 134 (2004/05) Most tries to date: David Newson, 50 Most penalties to date: David Spriggs, 12 Most drop goals to date: David Spriggs, 2 Most conversions to date: David Spriggs, 142 Most positions played: Lee Rowlands: 10 (of 11) PRIMARY EDDAS SQUAD 2017/18

Josh Congreve, Eddas Caps:1 Position: Utility back Hometown: Ebbw Vale Rugby Clubs: RTB Ebbw Vale, Brynmawr, Newcastle Emlyn, Ebbw Vale

Bio: Making his debut for Primary Eddas was bitter sweet for Josh. The most memorable thing that happened in that entire game was JC getting smashed to pieces by Llanelli Warrior Nathan Lawson. That night Josh had to retire to bed early as his body could not stand any longer. However from all the pain that Nathan caused him there was some comfort, Josh on the bus home was given the responsibility to look after club mascot Pete the Meat and Pete accompanied Josh to bed that night. Pete later gave Josh a night he would never forget. Fen Barrell AKA: Melon, Fazza, Fenny B, Ben Farrell Eddas Caps: 2 Position: Prop Hometown: Towyn, Conwy Rugby Clubs: N/A Bio: Prop, showman, committee member and club legend. After the Eddas first played the warriors Melon’s talents begun to shine. He proved that day that he was talented rugby player, encouraging him to put on the university team jersey and to again represent Primary Ed in the warriors 7s. Since the game a year ago he’s proven to be a compassionate member of the team providing counselling to teammate Dan Laytham, especially when he’s feeling highly emotional. Most significantly his rap skills have enhanced and many members of the team will be hoping today he does his rendition of Eminem’s ‘Loose yourself’. Ben is just hoping that nobody makes fun of his gigantic sized head. Brian Murdock AKA: That bloke who lives with the Chinese family, Eddas Caps: 0 Position: Flanker, Hometown: Dublin, Rugby Clubs: De La Salle Palmerston, Abergwilli Harlequins Bio: Today holds a few debuts to the Eddas including Trinity University Captain Brian Murdock. Bri has lead the university team to a very successful season this year and is probably because of the apple polishing of Daf Jones. Since moving to Wales Brian has struggled to learn the language, he hasn’t attempted Welsh yet but is making slow progress with English. Brian is so confident that Ireland beat Wales that if his team loses he will volunteer to take the journey home with no clothes. Brian is difficult to understand so as a rule if he does speak to you assume he is talking about Drink. Daffydd Jones AKA: Slug, Poofag Eddas Caps: 3 Position: Hooker, Prop, Second Row, Scrum half, Wing, Fullback, Hometown: Bridgend, Rugby Clubs: Bryncethin Bio: Poofag has been with the Eddas since the beginning, never missing a game and has always provided enthusiasm. He has so much enthusiasm you almost believe he’s a good rugby player. He takes a particular shine to Primary Ed’s captain and likes imitating him by trying to pick the team, even months before the game. Daf loves the warriors and after the game will look forward to socialising especially Derrick the ref even after their confrontation in the 7s. Daf would also like me to add that he has struggled with his love life lately, so if there are any ladies reading this he enjoys listening to Pitbull while wearing his Rasta vest. Steffan Arthur, AKA: Flex Arthur, Squibilliydibilly Steff, Eddas Caps: 3, Position: Number 8, Second Row, Hometown: Maesteg, Rugby Clubs: Nantyfyllon Bio: Nobody in the team has benefited more from playing the warriors then Flex. He now plays uni rugby for trinity and even turning out for his local side Nantyfyllon, where he often receives 2nd man of the match. He also be given the courage to start his own fitness page on Instagram and is hoping to compete in the Welsh Naturals bodybuilding competition. Steff has also become fitness coach to the Eddas and likes to watch the boys do sprints. He never joins in with the sprints because always has had ‘too big a sesh’ the night before in the gym. Although he is very very keen to watch the boys get all hot and sweaty. His new way of life is starting to make his father proud but the way he makes him most proud is by constantly talking about his better brother Jac. To save you all a conversation with Steff his brother Jac is really good at rugby. Steff is most looking forward to wearing shirt and tie after the game as he usually struggles with fashion, as he picks up a new hobby every year Flex often dresses as a weightlifting emo rugby player. James Date, AKA: Ant + Dec, Officer, Pig, Eddas Caps: 3 Position: Flanker Hometown: Caerphilly, Rugby Clubs: N/A Bio: As a year has passed James has had a bit of a tough time, his former roommate Steff Arthur has moved on and James now has to shower alone. He has tried many new things to find a new identity, including imitating some of the boys on the course with his hair. But James is starting to find his feet and has applied to be a police officer. Something that might prevent this from happening is that his bones are made from water paper and is constantly getting injured, in fact is last outing for the eddas saw him hospitalised after just 2 minutes of the game. Most people will be wondering will his injury hold up today but the big question today is; will he sit next to Steff on the bus?

Daniel Wright AKA: Irish Dan, MC Buffalo, Eddas Caps: 1, Position: Wing, Scrum half, Hometown: Magherafelt, Northern Ireland, Rugby clubs: Llanelli Warriors Bio: Irish Dan has a good relationship with the warriors making his debut for them, representing them by wearing the kit around Ireland and even becoming best friends with Ben Kitson. Dan even has a reputation as a good player as he was voted man of the match in last year’s game. Dan will be supporting Ireland in today’s game; he has a wide knowledge of the history of his national team and encourages people to quiz him on anything Irish. He also loves lending people fags. Hopefully at this point Dan has had another stormer for Primary Ed today so that it will help is effort in trying to win back his ex-girlfriend Kim O’Neal. Ken Bitson, AKA: Ben Kitson, Shagger, Eddas Caps: 1, Position: Wing, prop, Hometown: Tenby, Rugby Clubs: Llanelli Warriors, Abergwili Harlequins, Scarlets Bio: Since last year’s game things have taken a turn for Ken. He has now signed a contract for Abergwili Harlequins meaning that today’s game is a grudge match and he predicts that he will score a handful of tries against the warriors as they are nowhere near as good as him. Ken is looking forward for a few pints after the game and looking forward to visting the different pubs, as he knows everyone in Carmarthen he isn’t expecting to pay for any of his drinks. If people don’t buy him drinks he will get his big brother Gareth Davies to sort them out along with his other Scarlets friends. Warriors are surprised to learn that he is still in the country as we haven’t heard from him and presumed he had gone back to the love of his life (not hers) in Samoa

Dion Mitchell-Lewis AKA: Poppa Di, Lewis’s Pocket Pal, Dad. Position: Prop, Eddas Caps: 3, Hometown: Ammanford, Rugby Clubs: Tyrcroes, Betws, Llanelli Warriors Bio: From 1994 to 1995 Michael Jordan, one of basketballs greatest players decided to retire from the sport to try his hand at professional baseball. Although Dion unfortunately isn’t one of rugby’s greatest players his decision to try his hand at inside centre for the Edda’s last meeting with the warriors came with as much shock and confusion as Jordan’s 1994 move, and yes there are rumours of a collaboration with the Looney Tunes for a film based on Dion’s triumphant return to the Primary Edda’s pack. Unfortunately, Hollywood wanted to call someone better looking in to play the role of Dion, therefore that role will be taken by Ben Kitson while Dion will play the role of Porky Pig. Luckily Dion will be joined by the Bugs to his Bunny (Rampant Rabbit) Lewis Kenney at this year’s fixture and have booked a half hour slot in the shower, so boys get in and out as quick as you can otherwise you’ll come to realise the true meaning of the words Space Jam. Has always struggled in his Father’s shadow, not helped by his father taking his position in the Betws squad and setting a try ratio of every other game Steffan Davies, AKA: Steff Mawr, Eddas Caps: 2, Position: Number 8, Centre, Hometown/Rugby Clubs: Tumble Bio: For the Welsh translation for this profile please visit Trinity Primary Education Rugby webpage. Steff is a star player for the eddas but has left the boys down on the social side of the club. Hopefully tonight he will prove himself worthy and have a quiet pint with his teammates. In fairness he has been strapped for cash lately as his mother has taken his Playstation and is saving for a new one. Steff is most looking forward today as it’s his rare opportunity to get out of Tumble, he is only allowed out twice a year and chooses to come to the warriors game and the 7s. He is also looking forward to seeing Richard Hapus again. Lewis Kenney, Position: Wing, AKA: Dion’s Pocket Pet, The Wolf of Wind Street, The Gryphon Girth, Eddas Caps: 1 Rugby Clubs: None (But he was school captain in year 6) Lewis Kenney possesses magic feet, great spacial awareness and world class evasive running technique, all skills he honed darting between the bedrooms of girls both in Swansea and the University of Wales Trinity St. David Carmarthen and with a little extra ‘one on one’ help from his civil partner in crime Dion he’s got the hands to match. But, enough said about the post-match rub down, we’re thrilled to have Lewis finally dip his toe in the 15 a side game and we’re sure that he will be a great addition to the Primary Eddas backline. But don’t be fooled by Lewis’ slim frame, the cheeky game of doctors and nurses played by him and Dion isn’t what sealed his place in the team (that was just for fun) it’s the fact that what he lacks in bulk he makes up for in heart, determination and length (according to the club’s captain). Lewis’ is known for his proficiency in the art of breaking hearts, but today he hopes to change that into the ability to break ankles with his wicked step. Henry Frost, AKA: The Grass, Eddas Cap: 0, Position: Hooker, Prop, Second row, Hometown: Guildford, Rugby Clubs: Posh Boys Clubs of England Bio: Henry is known for a being a lady’s man and a bit of a player...... only joking. Known for his immature ways which often leads to him to winding other people up. Unfortunately for the rest of the team Henry is also a bit of thief, so if I was you check your bags after reading this just in case. Being brought up on military bases has given Henry a love for men in uniform. His interests include cars.... and that’s it. Today’s Team 15 Josh Congreve, 14 Daniel Wright, 13 Chris Golden, 12 Steff Davies, 11 Lewis Kenney, 10 Ieuan Bessant, 9 Alex Hall, 1 Ben Farrell, 2 Ben Kitson, 3 Dion Mitchell-Lewis (Cpt), 4 Daf Jones, 5 Henry Frost, 6 James Date, 8 Steff Arthur, 7 Brian Murdock. Bench: Josh Atkins, Roop Sidhu, Shane Wainwright, Daniel Stone Primary Education Post Match Pub Crawl

Taphouse 72- First stop after leaving Burry Port Rugby Club will be the student union. Players who have gained their first cap today will proceed with initiations. Friends Arms- We’re all friends in the eddas and we all have arms. In this pub Eddas have to link arms to a teammate at all times. New Dairies- There’s no milk in the dairies so Eddas must drink either Guinness or Baileys with a pint. Dog and Piano- After the bus Eddas should be ready for another song. All to sing a verse from the Music Man song. Golden Lion- Golden Rules; No: searing No right hand drinking, No hesitation (Umm, Urh or ah) and players can only be addressed by their surname. Rose and Crown- Being Welsh we don’t speak about the rose or the crown; silent pub. The Mansel- Known for Karaoke, all eddas have to sing instead of speaking. The Stags head- A stag can’t use its hand to drink so neither should we. Coracle- Final pub before a bit of grub in spoons. All players need to give a speech on their appreciation of the club.r Hanes y Rhyfelwyr History of the Warriors The Llanelli Warriors were formed to give people with learning difficulties the chance to experience rugby. They are the 2nd oldest integrated/mixed ability club and currently in their 21st season. 1995 Staff at Heol Goffa Day Centre who are involved with the Swansea Gladiators RFC challenged the centre to come up with a Llanelli side to play them. The Warriors played the Gladiators in Gorseinon, a match Llanelli felt they had won but Gladiators insisted was a draw and then at Stradey (Wanderers’ pitch) where the Warriors (definitely) won. The next season saw just 1 game, another match a draw with the Gladiators at Stradey Park, but it was the catalyst for the team going full time. The next season saw regular training sessions and 7 matches against opponents including the 1st WRU member club: Burry Port RFC. From there the club playing approximately 12 matches a season. A first tour (2000) saw the club travel to Teignmouth and the 50thfixture was held in 2001/02. The 10th anniversary saw the club play 23 matches including their 100th fixture and a 3 match unbeaten tour of New Zealand (following the Lions). 10 years on again and the club has played over 250 matches and holds an annual 7s tournament. Former players include Llanelli Swalec Cup winning Captain Justin Hughes and Wales U20s players Tom Phillips and Ben Leung. Last season Ronan Lewis has represented Army U23s and Liam Tobias has featured for Llanelli RFC.

The club has played an active role in encouraging the concept of integrated rugby, playing a significant role in the formation of the short lived Saracens Brave Herts, the Bumble Bees, The Ayrshire Clan (and from them the Glasgow and Edinburgh Clans), were 1st opponents of the Salopian Stags and 1st tour hosts of the Halifax Magpies. The club has been instrumental in the development of Ability Rugby International – the federation for mixed ability clubs. The Warriors have won both championships to date. The club were named the 2017 Carmarthenshire Team of the Year

The highlight of last season saw the club make a 5 match tour of New Zealand and Samoa. The club extended its unbeaten run in New Zealand to 7 matches and played the Samoan champions as well as watching Wales and British Lions matches. The tour was important for the individuals going, boosting their confidence, social skills, life experience and knowledge. They were able to test their sporting prowess and gain new respect from others. It was also a boost to the profile of integrated rugby on an international level, continuing the Warriors work of spreading this concept that has already seen them help numerous other teams get established across Europe. This season the club have been heavily involved in the setting up of the Cardiff Chiefs who faced the Warriors as their 1st opponents and Ryan Jones featured. The club toured to London Welsh during the 6 Nations and travel to Bradford later in the year.

Integrated rugby sees players with and without disabilities playing on the same team and against non- disabled opposition. Part of the rugby community, not some segregated separate entity. The Warriors are again pushed the boundaries by taking this concept to the 2 toughest rugby environments in the world. People with learning difficulties face numerous problems; discrimination, social exclusion, low income, prejudice. 8 out of 10 will have suffered bullying as a child, 50% of families with a disabled child live in poverty, only 1/3 of people with a learning disability take part in some form of education or training and only 6% of people with a learning disability who can work are in work (source - Mencap). Some of our players manage conditions such as Autism, Downs and Cerebral Palsy.

Off field the club works hard to have as professional a set up as possible which offers those involved further opportunities. There are monthly discos and curry nights, an annual black tie dinner, a regular match program, a match day shop, a high media profile and various fundraising activities. Please: join our website www.llanelliwarriors.co.uk, join our facebook group like our facebook page follow us on twitter @gwilwarriors SPONSOR THE WARRIORS

Last summer after the match against Samoan Champions the Warriors donated their boots to their opponents. This gesture meant so much to the boys we played that Roy Davies of RDH Haulage asked that the club donated their jerseys and he would purchase a new set. This means that the club are now looking for additional sponsors for their new kit. We are very pleased to announce that Shufflebottoms of Cross Hands have agreed to join RDH as main sponsors and we are now looking for further sponsorship.

Upper Back: £600, Lower Back (3 spaces): £500, Arm (5 spaces remaining): £250, Front/Back Leg: £250

People with learning difficulties face numerous problems; discrimination, social exclusion, low income, prejudice. 8 out of 10 will have suffered bullying as a child, 50% of families with a disabled child live in poverty, only 1/3 of people with a learning disability take part in some form of education or training and only 6% of people with a learning disability who can work are in work (source: Mencap).

Sport is well known for various benefits: Healthy competition, respect, teamwork, physical fitness, strength and conditioning, self-awareness, character building, confidence, self-respect, strategy, concentration, analytic skills, enjoyment.

The physical nature of rugby means that there is a respect for all who take part and also means the confidence gained is greater. There are so many specialist roles that all players find their place in the team. The players become part of the “rugby family” and they go from (often) being isolated to having a whole club, network and sport of friends.

“I can see the change in the way he walks and the way he holds himself.” (Social Worker)

The Warriors are at the forefront of mixed ability rugby and have featured on various BBC programs, S4C and NZTV. They play across Wales and Britain whilst maintaining a high profile on social media. They have been asked to talk by Sport Wales, they have been nominated for various awards and work close with the WRU.

Please contact: Jamie Evans 07531725655 [email protected] or

Gwilym Lewis 07837994901 [email protected] Previous Meeting: Llanelli Warriors 14 36 Primary Ed (18.3.17) The Primary Eddas and Warriors have met twice at 7s but only once to date in a full match – last season when the Eddas ran out comfortable winners. Several players have now featured for both teams while Steff and Jac Arthur used the experience to good effect coaching disabled youngsters in Carmarthen

The Warriors held an entertaining exhibition/training match with Primary Educations Students from Trinity St David’s at Burry Port, giving the prospective teachers some first- hand experience of disability and inclusion. Despite the wet conditions, both teams played enthusiastically throughout and in what was at time a brutal encounter. The Eddas team had a full range of rugby experience from novices to some 1st class experience, while the Warriors welcomed back Darren Pollitt for his 110th game. Straight from kick off it was no place for the faint hearted but the Eddas rucked hard and eventually Dan Wright got away down the wing to open the scoring. A loose ball gave the visitors another chance and Gethin Clarke made the most to extend the early lead. If the Warriors felt a little hard done by at that point it wasn’t helped when Dylan Harris capitalised on a stray hack through despite suggestions that he might have been off side. A three try deficit didn’t do justice to the home team who were competitive in all aspects. Andrew Davies was rising highest in the lineout and Simon Day looked dangerous on the wing. Unfortunately even as they were building pressure they went further behind when Dafydd Jones broke free in mid field and galloped over from long range. Despite some fierce play from Luke Evans (Warriors) and Daniel Laytham (Eddas) there were no further scores before half time. The second half continued to be closely contested with some good defensive work on show. The Warriors slowly moved down field and had the Eddas on their heels. Eventually Mark Lewis was given a run from short range as he proved unstoppable. There was no immediate respite for the Eddas as the Warriors again got down into the corner and this time livewire scrum half Craig James just managed to stretch over the line. There were a few near misses for the Warriors but as their pack tired the Eddas lifted the siege and regained the initiative. With good work from Dion Mitchell-Lewis and Ben Kitson, Josh Congreave stormed through to cross and to wrap it up, the first scorer was also the last as Wright got his 2nd. The Warriors can hold their heads high after this battling effort whilst the Eddas will look forward to visiting again when they enter the Warriors 7s in the summer.

Llanelli Warriors: Lee Rowlands (Luke Evans), Simon Day, Ben Winstanley, Dean Gilasbey (Tom Edwards), Tom Ashour, Nathan Murphy, Craig James, Mark Lewis, Richard Evans (Cpt), Huw Jenkins (Colin Tacon), John Horwood (Rhydian Williams), Andrew Davies (Darren Pollitt), Gareth Ladd (Jordan Jones), Tom Hall (Nathan Lawson), Gwilym Lewis. Scorers. Tries: Craig James, Mark Lewis. Conversions: Rhydian Williams (2) Man of the Match: Rh Williams.

Primary Eddas: Gethin Clarke, Dylan Harries, Odrhan Islas, Dion Mitchell-Lewis (c), Daniel Wright, Jac Arthur, Josh Congreve, Steffan Davies, James Date, Steffan Arthur, Daffydd Jones, Daniel Laytham, Ben Kitson, Andrew Kenny, Ben Farrell Scorers. Tries: Daniel Wright (2), Gethin Clarke, Dylan Harris, Dafydd Jones, Josh Congreve. Conversions: Wright (2), Clarke. Man of the Match: Wright.

Warriors Games and Events: Diary of a Warrior (also available online www.llanelliwarriors.co.uk)

DATE EVENT VENUE NOTES 24/2/18 Primary Ed Match Burry Port Wales v Ireland 25/2/18 Scrum V Trip Cardiff £10 bus 11/3/18 Cefneithin Match Cefneithin Wales v Italy 14/3/18 Disco Felinfoel 17/3/18 Rhiwbina Match Cardiff Wales v France 23/3/18 Show Selwyn Samuel 31/3/18 Swansea Vikings "BP Stars in eyes" show Wed April 11th Disco Felinfoel 14/4/18 Question & Answer night Memorial Hall 21/4/22 Semi Final Euro Cup 28/4/18 Cardiff Chiefs Llandaff Judgement Day May 5/6/7 BP Juniors festival 09/5/18 Disco Felinfoel 12/5/18 BP Cycle, Euro Final 19/5/18 Scarlets Plate 27/5/18 Warriors 7s Burry Port Date to be confirmed May Curry 2/6/18 Wales v SA 9/6/18 Wales v Arg 11/6/18 Disco Felinfoel 16/6/18 Wales v Arg 23/6/18 Presentation Night Selwyn Samuel 11/7/18 Disco Felinfoel July Tour Bradford 08/08/18 Disco Felinfoel Aug Curry Wed Sept 12 Disco Felinfoel Sept 21 Show Selwyn Samuel 10/10/18 Disco Felinfoel 20/10/18 Annual Gala Dinner Selwyn Samuel 14/11/18 Disco Felinfoel Nov Curry 14/12/18 Xmas Party Selwyn Samuel Also to be arranged: 3rd Origin Cup Match, The 300th Game against a Select XV

SCRUM V TRIP TOMORROW:

All those going to the trip to Scrum V tomorrow please meet at Llanelli Town Hall at 4pm Please wear a black Warriors top; either London Welsh tour or MAWRT. If you don’t have one then anything with a Warriors logo on it, if you don’t have anything let me know! Bobble hat optional

4pm Llanelli Town Hall 5pm Arrive at Studios 6pm Live on Air 7pm show ends 7:30 (approx) leave studio 9:pm (approx) arrive at Town Hall

James Duke, Richard Evans, Craig James, Dai Haines, Nathan Murphy, Mark Lewis, Darren Pollitt, Johnathan Kearney, Gareth McKibbon, Simon Day, John Horwood, Simon Jenkins, Ieuan Davies, Andrwe Davies, Jamal Ashour, Tom Ashour, Gwilym Lewis Warriors Squad 2017-2018

Facebook page & Group @gwilwarriors llanelliwarriors.co.uk Llanelli Warriors RFC 2017/18 Squad

Facebook page & Group @gwilwarriors www.llanelliwarriors.co.uk