PHOTOS:
Winning team Flamingos
Andrew Jenkins receives the trophy
Plate winners Seasiders
Player of the Tournament Dyfan Dafydd
The Referees
The Carmarthen Flamingos regained the Newport Sevens crown with a narrow final win over the Daionic Crusaders to round off a tournament where the usual quality sevens was played, although teams had to adjust to the inclement weather.
Much of the tournament was played amidst torrential downpours, which made for some tight, physical encounters and the final was no different as the Flamingos’ Dan Davies, of Newcastle Emlyn RFC, scored the game’s only try when he gathered a hack on from skipper Andrew Jenkins and dived over the line.
Team manager Arwel is well pleased
The Flamingos had qualified for the final with a 6-2 (six tries to two) win over the Seasiders (Tenby RFC) in the semi final, while the Crymych-based Crusaders beat the Preseli Ba Baas 3-0.
In the plate final, the Seasiders edged out the Ba Baas 4-3.
“I’m delighted with the boys,” said Flamingos manager Arwel Davies.
“The final was always going to be tight, especially given the weather, and in the end it only took one try to win it."
Weather played a big part
Davies admitted the rain influenced tactics and selection, especially in the latter stages.
“We started the semi final and the final with a bigger, more physical side than normal as the contact area became crucial in the conditions.
“And the boys stood up to be counted and beat two tough sides.
“We had a good mix of players today - and it was pleasing to see both our youngsters and our old heads, like Viv and Andrew Jenkins, all performing well.”
Aiming high for next year
Davies also helps oversee the running of the Carmarthen outfit’s first team, the Warriors, and said the group will strongly consider sending two sides to what will be the 30th annual Newport Sevens next season.
“The sevens circuit is big now but it is important to keep supporting smaller tournaments – and we have always made the effort to send a side to Newport.
“Next year is our 15th year and it would be nice to bring two teams here, with a supporters’ bus, and make a real occasion of it.”
The Flamingos received £300 for winning the tournament – while the Crusaders received £250 for finishing runners up. The Seasiders were given £150 for winning the plate.
The ‘Player of the Tournament’ award went to Crusaders’ player Dyfan
Dafydd.Group A results:
Caddies (Llangwm RFC) 1-5 Seasiders (Tenby RFC)
Seven Sons of Simon 2-8 Jolly Sailors
Seven Sons of Simon 2-7 Daionic Crusaders
Seasiders 4-1 Jolly Sailors
Daionic Crusaders 6-1 Caddies
Seasiders 5-1 Seven Sons of Simon
Daionic Crusaders 4-0 Jolly Sailors
Seven Sons of Simon 3-1 Caddies
Crusaders 4-1 Seasiders
Jolly Sailors 3-1 Caddies
Group B results:
Carmarthen Flamingos 5-3 Preseli Ba Baas
Bwsees (Cardigan RFC) 9-0 Newport RFC
Flamingos 6-0 Newport RFC
Bwsees 2-2 Preseli Ba Baas
Carmarthen Flamingos 2-1 Bwsees
Newport RFC 0-7 Preseli Ba Baas
Semi finals:
Carmarthen Flamingos 6-2 Seasiders
Daionic Crusaders 3-0 Preseli Ba Baas
Plate final:
Seasiders 4-3 Preseli Ba Baas
Final:
Carmarthen Flamingos 1-0 Daionic Crusaders