THE Bank Holiday Weekend saw the Carmarthen Warriors launch their 15th anniversary season at two major tournaments.

Months of hard work and organisation for Warriors founder Arwel Davies came to fruition at the Flanders 10’s. A traveling party of around 30 players and support staff  made the journey to Belgium to play as The Warriors Legends (Over 35’s side).

Back on the UK mainland, Wayne Price fronted a strong Warriors 7s side at the Bournemouth 7s.

At Flanders the Legends were drawn in a group with Mill Hill, Kemphaagsche and last years winners, Brussels Barbarians.

The Warriors however were less fortunate , landing a ‘group of death’ alongside Apache, Bryanston and Red Panda.

Whilst the Legends were sweeping all in front of them aside, winning all three games without conceding a try. - the Warriors lost to the strongly fancied Apache 28-14, beat Red Panda 19-17 before losing to Bryanston 21-12.

All was not lost however, as the Warriors group position ensured them a place in the semi final of the Plate competition. A smooth transition past Esher saw the Warriors involved in a high scoring Plate Final against the RAF Spitfires.

A pulsating encounter ended in a 46-25 victory for the well drilled servicemen.

Day two dawned in Belgium with a semi final clash against French side Les Arlequinquins on the only artificial pitch. The surface took its toll on a number of the Legends players, including the influential Craig Thomas and Jonny Lees. However that didn’t stop the Vets running out winners by a clear six tries without reply.

Ex Llandovery man Eifion Gwynne was also impressive.

The final at Flanders was a real spectacle. Played in front of a packed stadium in glorious sunshine, the match ball was flown in by helicopter and all tries were celebrated with pyrotechnics from behind the goals.

The Legends certainly put on a display to remember in the first half of a rematch with Brussels Barbarians.

Kidwelly’s Craig Thomas opened the scoring followed by a great opportunist effort by Dai Ebsworth.

At the break the Legends looked to be cruising towards another whitewash, however, some complacency crept in just before the break allowing the local side in for a try.

The second half continued with both sides trading scores before a flamboyant finish by Gareth Bennett followed by a superb solo run from Adrian Devon ensured the Flanders ‘Vets’ trophy was heading back to Carmarthen.

Speaking at vibrant presentation ceremony a proud Arwel Davies said: "This weekend has been an emotional one.

"Starting with a visit to the Welsh WW1 memorial at Langemarc on Friday, and ending here with the new Legends side winning a major trophy at our first attempt."

Speaking from the podium he paid tribute to Gareth Bennett and presented him with his playing jersey. Gareth had emotionally announced his retirement in the pre-match team talk.

Davies also explained to the gathered players and supporters that the Legends team had chosen to donate their substantial prize wining cheque to the childrens cancer charity Clic Sargent, a cause close to their hearts.

Although Flanders will probably be the Legends only tournament this season, the victory will mark another important milestone in Warriors history. Plans are already afoot to return in 2016.

Looking ahead to the near future, the Warriors will look to build on Bournemouth when they return to action at the inaugural South West 7s Tournament at the end of June.