'Nightmare' year firmly behind Wanderers

HAVING only just lifted the Division Four West trophy, Llanelli Wanderers captain James Bannister is already setting his sights on more success next season.

A 42-10 home win against Burry Port sealed the title for the Wanderers, who ended the season one point ahead of closest challengers Amman Utd.

But as well as their on-field battles, the club also had to contend with metal thieves causing major damage to the clubhouse while at one point last year just six players turned up to training.

“We were relegated last season and 2011 was a nightmare for the club,” said Bannister. “At one point last year we only had six players training and we had a meeting at which we discussed possibly disbanding the team.

“We didn’t have any money to pay for the damage to the clubhouse and things were pretty bleak. But we asked a few players to come and help us out and at least we finished the season, even though we were relegated.

“But the beauty of the club is that we have a full junior section, a strong youth team and we have been able to regroup this season and really fight back. Our two coaches, Dai Jones and Dan Rogers, have both played key roles both on and off the pitch.

“Dan was equal top try scorer with 12 and, despite his age and various injuries, Dai has been an inspiration up front. He started his career at the Wanderers in the junior section and has returned after an excellent career to really help us out.”

With only those two January defeats in their 22 games, the Wanderers were worthy winners of the title and now all thoughts are on the future.

“The important thing last summer was that we kept hold of all our players. Given everything that happened, and the fact we were relegated, things could easily have disintegrated,” said Rogers.

“But we’ve been able to build throughout this successful campaign and we now have the basis of a good side. We have some talented runners, a very skillful outside-half in Jonathan Griffiths and there are some great youth players coming through the ranks.

“As well as Nick Gale, scrum-half Kyle Griffiths, centre Rhyddian Morgan and forwards Jason Slater and Sean Lloyd have been terrific for us. I wanted to turn my hand to coaching and I've enjoyed my first season.

“Sometimes it has been difficult combining playing in the side with the coaching, but I think I’ll have another season, but perhaps not play in so many games.”