A year on from wondering if they would be able to continue playing after metal thieves wrecked their dressing rooms and as few as six players were turning out for training, they finally had something to celebrate when they grabbed a bonus point win at home against Burry Port with a 42-10 win to go six points clear of Amman United at the top.
WRU Board member Steve Pike, who is also secretary of the Wanderers, was the proudest man in Llanelli as he handed over the SWALEC Division 4 West trophy to skipper James Bannister and now all sights are set on staying in Division 3 West next season.
“There were no easy games in this league and every team caused us problems. We slipped up a little bit in January when we lost at home to Amman United and then away at Milford Haven, but we got back into it after that,” said club captain Bannister.
“We were relegated last season and 2011 was a nightmare for the club. 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. With half-a-dozen youth players blooded throughout the campaign, including exciting young full back Nick Gale, grandson of former Wales skipper Norman Gale, backs coach Rogers is confident of competing at a higher level next season.
“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 skilful outside half in Jonathan Griffiths and there are some great youth players coming through the ranks.
“As well as Nick Gale, scrum half Kyle Girffiths, 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.”
SWALEC are the national community partner of the Welsh Rugby Union, having signed a deal that saw the company become national sponsor of both the SWALEC Leagues and SWALEC Cup, Plate and Bowl competition in 2008. In 2011 they signed a four-year extension.
SWALEC NATIONAL LEAGUE CHAMPIONS 2011/12
EAST
Division 3: Garndiffaith
WEST
Division 1: TATA Steel
Division 3: Haverfordwest
Division 4: Llanelli Wanderers
Division 6: Pontrhydyfen
NORTH
Division 1: Caernarfon
Division 2: Dolgellau
Division 3: Shotton Steel
CENTRAL
Division 6: Glyncoch
SOUTH CENTRAL
Division 5: Bryncethin
