Pembrokeshire Vikings continued a remarkable season of mixed-ability rugby as they travelled to Parc y Scarlets for the WRU Scarlets Regions Cup Finals and showed how much the squad has improved.
 
They took on old rivals Llanelli Wanderers and in a nerve-jangling finish, where they were trailing 15-19, grabbed a last-ditch try to give them victory by the narrowest of margins.
 
Coach Simon Gardiner was understandably jubilant, as were the large number of family and friends who made the journey to cheer them on to victory in a game played at a fast pace but always in the best of spirits on both sides.
 
Fortunes certainly ebbed and flowed throughout as The Warriors had played some good rugby and had tries by Lloyd Crawley and Adam Fussell, alongside a penalty try and a conversion from Cain Rodway.




 

Vikings’ forwards feature with four tries

 
For The Vikings, flanker Gethin Bateman scored two excellent tries, the first from a close- range drive and the second late on when the final pass to him came low but he somehow managed to stoop and catch it before falling over the line.
 
Veteran front-rower Darren Lewis also scored from a forward drive and assistant coach Andrew Meddings got his name on the try sheet as reward for some excellent support play as he latched on to the shoulder of the ball carrier and jumped past two would-be tacklers on his short trip to the try line.
 
All four conversions were attempted by Bleddyn Shaw, who had competed in a weightlifting competition in the morning at SAW Cymru and achieved a personal best in the deadlift and squat categories of his other sport.
 
Also playing well in the centre was Neyland cricketer Callum Power, who is a regular with the Welsh Disabled team, whilst half backs Gino Cleal and Matthew Heeps caught the eye as they tried to keep the ball moving as often.



 

Coach Simon was delighted

 
Coach Simon Gardiner, who has used his vast experience with Llanelli and other top class teams to good effect, told us,
“I am absolutely delighted at our win, which comes as a result of total commitment from everyone involved.
 
“But most importantly, great friendships have been made in the squad, and with opponents, so that I can’t wait for next season now so that we can carry on our excellent progress this season.”
 
Team captain Daniel Morgan, who is an all-round sportsman from Llangwm, received the winners’ salver and PembrokeshireSport.co.uk would like to say huge congratulations to every player, official and supporter of the Pembrokeshire Vikings’ squad.





 
Pembrokeshire Vikings:
Daniel Shaw: Paul Clayton; Matt Davies; Callum Power; Daniel Morgan: Matthew Heeps; Gino Cleal: Youssef El Tawab; Darren Lewis; Dan McCaffrey: Sean McKenzie-Hughes; Andrew Meddings: Gareth Rees; Gethin Bateman; Marc Davies. Replacements: Ryan Foot; Adam Beavis; Kyron Owens: Graham Elliott; Dave Richards; Josh Price; Ben Couciero; Josh Crowther; Robert Sweeny.
Coach: Simon Gardiner
Photographer: Mira Angielczyk



 

Further great news for the Pembrokeshire Vikings

 
There was further great news for The Vikings, when three of their players: prop Kyran Owens, centre Daniel Shaw, and winger Paul Clayton were selected to represent the MARIS (Mixed Ability Rugby Invitational side) and  the club’s head coach, Simon Gardiner, was selected to be coach, in a game against the Swansea Gladiators at the Principality Stadium on Friday 29th April.
 
It was to celebrate Swansea Gladiators’ 30th Anniversary year and The MARI`S came out victorious 31-24 as Kyran Owens and Daniel Shaw both scored tries, whilst Paul Clayton also caught the eye with his pace.
 
The Vikings group who made the journey to the national stadium also met up with Geraint John, who is from Haverfordwest and is the WRU Community Director.