PRESELI BaBas were the winners of this year’s annual Sion Wyn Memorial Sevens rugby competition in Machynlleth on Saturday, 3 August after beating Aberystwyth in the Lloyd Cup Final.Twelve teams entertained the crowds, with Dolgellau, Newtown and Preseli sending two teams each. From further afield, Mold and Aberaeron also competed, as did for the first time, Caernarfon.

Harlech also sent a team with barely enough players to cover for the day, although they were bolstered by players from Machynlleth and Dolgellau, who otherwise would not have had a game.

In the Lloyds Coaches sponsored Cup Final, Preseli BaBas were able to defeat an Aberystwyth team by 38 points to 10. Aberystwyth have been regular winners of the competition in the past, but in a very skilled and determined match, the BaBas came out on top.The game was well-refereed by Andrew Davies, as his last duty as a WRU referee, and thanks were duly expressed for his contribution. The Player of the Tournament was awarded to Amir Jiua-Walji of the Preseli Babas.

In the Howdens Joinery sponsored Plate Final, Harlech beat Dolgellau B by 20 points to 7.

“The ‘Siôn Wyn Sevens tournament was established in 1995 and is a tribute in memory of a young man, who had been a large part of Clwb Rygbi Machynlleth for years,” said Machynlleth RFC Chairman, Rhys Morris.“Siôn Wyn Jones was a very talented flanker and a very popular character within the club, and the community in Machynlleth, and it is a privilege for us to carry his name on Clwb Rygbi Machynlleth’s foremost event.

‘’The success of the Sevens competition over the years has been huge, thanks to those who sponsor the tournament, the Club’s committee and the players and supporters who work hard through the year to ensure the success of the event.”

Nearby on Cae Glas, there was mini rugby equipment for children to practice on, and a rugby-themed bouncy castle, kindly provided by Rygbi Gogledd Cymru.

After early wins, Machynlleth, who were playing in a new, light blue strip, eventually suffered a narrow defeat against Mold, and a much heavier one against Preseli BaBas. Despite this, they made the quarter final of the Cup competition, where they lost to Aberystwyth 19-7.