MACHYNLLETH RFC celebrated its 40th Anniversary with the Sion Wyn Rugby Sevens competition at Cae Glas, held in glorious sunshine.

The warm weather brought out the crowds, who stayed well into the evening, enjoying the feast of rugby, as well as the excellent calm and sunny conditions.

It was pleasing to see several new teams in the tournament, ranging from Llangefni and Uwchaled from North Wales, COBRA from mid Wales and the returning Preseli Baa-baa’s from South Wales - as well as scratch teams such as The Wooden Spooners and Dinas (Mawddwy).

The Lloyds Coaches-sponsored Cup Final was played out between the Preseli Baa-baa’s and Uwchaled, following a minute’s silence in memory of Club stalwart John Edwards, who died last year.

The Final was played in a very spirited manner, but Preseli eventually overcame Uwchaled by 36 points to 12. Often Aberystwyth have won this competition, but they went out in the quarter finals, surprisingly losing to Dinas 12 points to 17. The Howdens Joinery-sponsored Plate Final was won by Llangefni, who triumphed by 24 points to Llanidloes’ 5.

• The Club will be holding an anniversary dinner at Y Garth, Plas Talgarth, Pennal on Saturday, 3 September, with guest speaker Graham Price MBE, one of the celebrated Pontypool front row of the Wales team from the 1970s. Tickets available through the Club at its clubhouse.

Machynlleth lost a number of experienced players during the past season, and dropped out of the North Wales Division Two North. The WRU have re-organised the North and mid-Wales teams for the forthcoming season, and Machynlleth will be playing in the new Division Two East this autumn. The first game is at home on 10 September, against rivals Llanidloes.

The Club is always on the look-out for new players, to join the young side. Training is on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 7pm. The Club is also running an open touch rugby session at Cae Glas on Friday evenings, commencing at 18.30, for 14 year olds and upwards, for both boys and girls. All players are welcome to attend, regardless of previous experience.