Llanelli RFC Team v Pontypool

Spot on Wil. We had to rely on far too many permits from clubs a league or two below us and too many scratch type formations. Fringe players seem to disappear or kept from playing. If the RFC won more games from the start of season we would also have had bigger gates.

A brilliant performance by the RFC bois ! A great night and craic with fellow Turks! and what a pint of Guinness in Aberavon Rugby Club .

Wil Chips wrote: We have all 3 of our regions semi pro teams in the Top tier next season, the only region to have that. Important we use that platform extensively. As well as being that platform for game time for the Scarlets fringe players, and a good way back to fitness from injury, we really have to re-ignite the way of getting academy players to play more regularly...I just don't understand how these guys can make the step up unless they get significant ( 15 man) game time between the ages of 17-21. I also really like the 'mentoring' element that comes when these young guys connecting up with the 'stalwarts' at the RFC. From Scott's era they had the likes of Craig 'Ripper' Hawkins, Matthew Brayley, Adam Powell and other...good players and leaders, these guys wouldn't take any s**t o half hearted contributions from the youngsters...they'd have to put a big shift in...and they might, only might mind, get a nod from those guys...important grounding I think. I see Jonny Lewis in this sort of mould. You could build a back line around his leadership skills...we could do with one or two more up front.

agree with most there Wil.
I'd add that the side Scott was in was a pretty strong one...of the top of my head, 9.Cawdor 10.Owen Williams, 12.Scott 13.Reynolds 15.Liam
would Nic Cudd, Ben Morgan, Matt Gilbert, Aaron Shingler all featuring regularly as well probably?

Certainly up there IMO with the strongest we have had for the semi pros and it is something I never understood is since Hawkins left,we have not really replaced him with a character like that.
Llandovery for years had Bryn Griffiths leading the pack behind guys like Wyn Jones and Emyr Phillips. Quins even now with Aled Thomas, Dale Ford, Nic Reynolds, Ed Siggery...

Llanelli certainly need to get a backbone of experience again as potentially, Llanelli RFC can field a pretty decent side. I understand the Scarlets A will be taking away some game time, but I am hoping we can see a good turnout next season...something like:
15. Tomi Lewis
14. Corey Baldwin
13. Steff Hughes
12. Jonny Lewis
11. Ryan Conbeer
10. Ioan Hughes
9. Dane Blacker
8. Tom Phillips
7. Jac Morgan
6. Ed Kennedy
5. Chris Long
4. Lewis Rawlins
3. Simon Gardiner
2. Taylor Davies
1. Rhys Fawcett
then there are players like Ellis Thomas to come in at back row, Shaun Evans (who Im told is being looked at as a hooker), I am not sure what academy players are on the cusp of breaking through for u20s next year...Carwyn Tuipolotu i know is coming through, along with a prop and another hooker which I am unsure of their names...i think they are now too old for Wales 18s. Lets also not forget Dan Davis who will probably feature and Morgan Williams, Tom Prydie, Paul Asquith etc.

Obviously injuries play a part and this season, Llanelli have felt the injuries of the Scarlets, but I do think a little bit of a backbone is needed. Tom Phillips, Steff Hughes along with Jonny Lewis have been there a while now, so they will most certainly add something, but if we can find someone like Craig Hawkins, it will be brilliant.
I'd even add coaches.
Aaron Shingler obviously has an interest in coaching - why not develop his skills with the RFC?
Morgan Stoddart, not sure if he is staying at Cross Keys, but another who has played his fair share of rugby for both Scarlets and Llanelli RFC. Why not look to bring him in to do the backs?
Carmarthen Quins have Scarlets past players Emyr Phillips,  Aled Thomas, Craig Evans coaching, Richard Kelly another been with Quins but IMO will likely take charge of the A team.
Llandovery have Llangennech boy Euros Evans...can we look to bring him down for a season or two?not sure if he is still involved with the college as well.
Mark Jones coaching semi pro level, Phil John coaching semi pro level, Nigel Davies coaching semi pro level, is Jason Strange still with Ebbw Vale?
Smiler is developing now as a coach. surely we can use Llanelli RFC to develop players as coaches if the interest is there?

All those guys went on to be Scarlets, and in many cases Wales regulars....in that era add in Priestland, Rhodri Jones, Dan Thomas, Samson, Steve Shings, Jordan Williams and more...

Well done Llanelli. Great result hope we can emulate it tonight. Gotta feel for Pontypool. Two seasons denied promotion. The WRU failed them.

I was very impressed by a few players. 

SospanMawr wrote: I was very impressed by a few players.  Tom Price put in a good shift, he’ll do well at Exeter.  Shaun Evans played well, I think he may be more suited to hooker if he can master the technical side, as he’s not as much of an athlete as Dan Davis but may be one of the best young back rowers over the ball we have. Tom Prydie and Ryan Conbeer showed their class. My main mentions would go to Ioan Hughes and Kalum Evans (15) both of whom make good decisions and look clever rugby players. Loved the fire from Kalum too when he took a late hit from the Pooler player after calling a mark.