In a thrilling and hard-fought contest, Llanelli Warriors narrowly fell to Penybanc RFC by 39-36 in a match full of end-to-end action, big moments, and dramatic finishes.

The Warriors got off to a fantastic start, opening the scoring early through Owain Williams, who touched down after a well-worked set-piece move. Cain Rodway slotted the conversion, giving the Warriors a 7-0 lead just a minute and a half into the game.

However, Penybanc responded quickly, scoring their first try at the 17th minute mark, successfully converting to level the scores. The visitors then built momentum, adding further tries on the 26th and 32nd minute, the latter without a conversion, putting them ahead.

Llanelli Warriors hit back just before the break, with James Jeffery crossing the line at 19th minute, but the missed conversion left them trailing.

On 36th minutes, returning favourite Dean Gilasbey powered over the whitewash executing a well-worked scrum-half pick-up and dive, with space created by a the structured Warriors pack. With a successful kick, the Warriors reclaimed the lead.

At halftime, it was still anyone’s game, with both teams trading scores in a closely contested battle.

The Warriors came out strong after the break, and at 45 minutes, Williams secured his second try of the match, though the kick was again off target. Penybanc weren't deterred, striking at the 50-minute mark with another try, though they also failed to convert.

Penybanc scored another try at 57th minute, this time successfully converted, edging them ahead once more. They extended their lead at 60th with yet another score, though the conversion was missed.

With the game approaching the final stages, both teams were still throwing everything at each other. At 65th, Adam Fussell crossed the try line for the Warriors, though the conversion went astray, keeping the game within reach.

Penybanc seemed to have sealed the game with a try at the 72nd minute, again without a conversion, putting them ahead by three scores.

However, the Warriors refused to go down without a fight. In the dying seconds of the match, with the clock at 80, Adam Fussell capitalised on a knock-on from the Penybanc 10 following a well-placed kick over from Stephen Marshall. Fussell showed his finishing ability by gathering the ball and grounding it for the final try of the match. This time, the conversion was good, bringing the Warriors within three points of their opponents.

Despite their valiant effort, the Warriors ran out of time, and the final whistle confirmed a narrow 39-36 defeat.

Llanelli Warriors will be proud of their performance, with standout displays from Owain Williams, who bagged two tries, Adam Fussell, who finished the game with a crucial score, and Cain Rodway, who contributed with his kicking. Meanwhile, Dean Gilasbey and James Jeffery also got their names on the scoresheet.

Penybanc RFC edged it in the end, but this was a game that could have gone either way. The Warriors will take plenty of positives from their performance and will no doubt be ready for the next challenge.

Man of the Match - Shaun Allen
Dick of the Day - Dan John

LLANELLI WARRIORS RFC

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