The Carmarthen Warriors celebrated what many consider to be their most successful season ever last weekend, with their second Charity Dinner and Presentation night at the Stradey Park Hotel , Llanelli.

Around 180 guests including players from all three teams, sponsors and supporters gathered to listen to guest speaker – former All Blacks captain Zinzan Brooke.

Before the legendary Kiwi took to the stage however, Warriors player-coach Wayne Price summarised the season. A season which started exactly 12 months ago to the week when the team lost one of its most popluar ‘Vets’ players to a tragic accident

The passing of Eifion Gwynne prompted the Warriors to adopt Cronfa Goffa Eifion Gwynne Memorial Fund as their charity for 2017.

Eifion’s close friend Emlyn Jones accpeted a cheque from the Warriors for over £10,000 and read a moving message from Eifion’s widow Nia , this was followed by a minutes applause

Another former Drover, Rob Walters then announced that the dinner and auction, along with the Warriors charity fundraising in 2018, would go to help aonother ex-player and colleague, Tom Walker.

Along with Eifion and many of the Warriors , Tom played in Llandovery’s Konica Minolta Cup winning side in 2007

In January 2016 Tom was diagnosed with a brain tumour, although this was successfully removed a seconday tumor was thought to have been detected.

Despite further surgery, tests and medication, Tom has spent the last seven months in hospital gradually losing the mobility in his entire body. He is now practically paralysed from bottom of the rib cage down and severely weakened down the left arm. As a result he hasn't stood or walked independently for over five months, and relies on a motorised wheelchair to get around.

Rob concluded a moving presentation by explaining that all monies raised from the evening would go towards helping Tom and his family as they battle together with his illness.

As the guests went on to enjoy a stunning three course dinner, the Warriors’ captain and founder Arwel Davies honoured some of the individuals who’d made a significant contribution in 2017 and beyond.

Bowdy Davies was awarded most Promising Player with Tenby’s Ashley Sutton, Player of the Year.

Ystalyfera’s Gareth James was given a long service award along with Hefin Thomas, one of the teams long term sponsors.

Next, Llandovery RFC kit man Joc Walters took to the stage to host an auction featuring some impressive  items of signed memorabilia . As well as jersey’s from all four Welsh regions plus Bath, Gloucester and the Classic Lion , both Rhys Webb and Ken Owens had donated signed Lions jerseys and shorts .

Following some frantic bidding, Zinzan Brooke was at last invited to the stage

Ably interviewed by Rob Walters, Brooke gave his often forthright but entertaining views on the current state of world rugby, former collegues and his illustrious career.

He ended by performing the Haka which of course brought the house down and the formal part of the evening to a close.

Brooke was happy to stay around afterwards, chatting and posing for pictures with guests.

The popular Kiwi also took time to add a personal message to a canvas for Tom Walker and then recorded a personal message for Tom and his family.

So another successful season was brought to an end with a successful dinner – and early indications show that over £9,000 was raised on the night .

The Warriors collectively extended their thanks to all who attended and made the night another resounding success. They also issued a thankyou to Zinzan Brooke who won many new friends at the event.