The Warriors were well aware that this was going to be a tough match, having yet to register a win over the Vikings in 3 attempts. Their task was made tougher with various selection issues that saw them able to name just 4 out and out backs in their large squad.

Nevertheless, a strong and experienced team was named for the journey west to Milford Haven.

The Vikings started really well, moving the ball and stretching their opponents. The Warriors didn't help themselves with a lackluster start and some poor decisions. It saw them trapped in a cycle of kicking to the Vikings and struggling to get any momentum or even possession with the Vikings registering 3 tries in the 1st quarter.

The Warriors cause wasn't helped with injuries to key players, Wing Anthony Higgins, flankers Kallum Morgan and James Evans and Prop Dai Haines all having to leave the field.

Things improved as the half progressed, but the Vikings scored again to lead 22-0 at the break.

On one hand the Warriors will feel they missed some golden opportunities to score but on the other, the Vikings also blew a couple of clear-cut opportunities and the Warriors had man of the match Yanis Whiteley to thank for some last-ditch tackling.

The second half was a more even affair, the Warriors far more competitive. Stefan Marshall had his best game to date, Matthew Miller had some good touches and when the line out functioned, they put together an effective rolling maul. The Vikings still had the upper hand though and added 2 further tries for an unassailable lead.

The Warriors never stopped pressing though, and a series of penalties helped them build pressure. Eventually centre Adam Fussell worked his way through some tackles to cross.

Encouraged by this success, the Warriors worked hard again. With the Vikings stretched, Kieran Morgan saw a gap at a ruck and stole over with the last move of the game.

Vikings Captain Bleddyn Gibbs lifted the trophy then with the perfect start for his club's season.

There was some compensation for the Warriors who triumphed in the touch rugby curtain raiser.

Llanelli Warriors: Cain Rodwell, Anthony Higgins (Ashley Lewis), Johnathan Kearney, Adam Fussell, James Anthony (Dylan Williams), Jamie Evans, Gwilym Lewis, Dai Haines (Kieron Morgan), Dan Grinter (Luke Pearse), Shaun Allen (Colin Tacon, Will Browne, Sten Marshall), Lloyd Crawley (Nathan Jones), Thomas Ashour (Matthew Miller, Darren Pollitt), James Evans (Kallum Evans), Tomos Hall, Yanis Whitley

The usual Warriors chaos (kit, buses, late additions etc) meant that the Wagon again rolled up late. The game didn't go well with some bad luck mixed in with a sleepy start, but there were plenty of little positives in there.
Lloyd won dick of the day for pointing to where the ball should go in the line out, edging out Kallum for swearing about the refereeing (which would have been the 2nd time this season) and ex Warriors Yanis was the Viking equivalent - they both looked resplendent with their Warriors helmets and Vikings Dick lollipops.
Yanis was again full value - chuffed to collect his man of the match trophy and giving a good "speech".

As well as a great welcome from the Vikings, there was also lollipops for everyone and even cup cakes with club badges and donkeys on. The journey home saw the heavens open - in direct contrast to the hot sunshine the match was played in.

Everyone got home safe and we go again next week Vs Morriston