GOGERDDAN Raiders were winners of the 2018 Aberaeron Sevens Tournament after they overcame Carmarthen Warriors 19-10 in the final.

The Raiders had shown great form throughout, with group wins against Bargoed and Aberaeron, before beating Penallta 28-5 in the semi-final.

Llandovery had defended the Aberaeron title they had won in 2017 with gusto, but the experienced Carmarthen Warriors beat them 17-10 in their semi-final game.

Warriors were firm favourites to go on and secure a ninth Aberaeron Sevens title, but surprisingly they missed out in the final to newcomers the Raiders with a 19-10 defeat.

The young Llandovery squad had included a number of the Drovers’ Youth players, past and present, a former Llandovery College captain in Rhodri Bullock and new faces in Lewis Jones and Jordan Evans (both Llanelli Wanderers) , Brandon Stone (Pontardulais), Arthur Lennon (Nant Conwy), Matthew Hughes and Carwyn Jones ( both Aberystwyth).

The newcomers brought speed and verve, but the wet and windy conditions made running and handling difficult. Only skipper and fly half Kristian Jones - the 2017 Player of the Tournament - remained from last year’s winning squad.

Llandovery coach Gareth Potter admitted that he was disappointed not to retain the trophy, but was upbeat at the performance of some of the young players."It was a good day for a very inexperienced side that improved leaps and bounds as the day went on,” he said.

“Apart from Kristian Jones, who led the team superbly, all the other boys have joined us this summer, including three Llandovery youth products, including Ryan Williams, who caught the eye and continued to outline his potential.

“Aberystwyth recruits Carwyn Evans and Matthew Hughes stood out, with Matthew making some long range breaks, and was superb in regaining kick-offs.

“Brandon Wood looked very sharp on the wing and finished for some top tries. Rhodri Bullock battled tirelessly and Lewis Jones was comfortable on the ball.

“I thought us unlucky not to beat the Warriors in the semi final after a great fight back but a desperate tackle denied Morgan Price a score right at the death. It was great to see young half backs Steffan Davies and Arthur Lennon representing the team for the first time.

“Steffan, son of Llandovery backs coach, Simon Davies is a Cefneithin a RFC product whilst Arthur, who impressed with Nant Conwy earlier in the month, will start training with the Drovers whilst on dual registration with Newcastle Emlyn.”Wins over Warriors Legends 19-14 and Ravens 31-12 brought a semi-final with the Warriors, but despite tries from Wood and Jones the Drovers were pipped 17-10.

The Gogerddan Raiders had also tasted sevens success at the Frome Open and with a smattering of players from London, Bristol and Cheltenham, and they shaded the Warriors by 19-10 in the final, claiming the £1,000 prize money in style.

Tomi Jones and Cardigan’s John Lumb got the Warriors tries, but despite the effotrs of Narberth’s Ianto Griffiths, Newcastle Emlyn’s Mike Evans and Aberavon bound Jac Morgan the Warriors fell just short. The outstanding Finn Dewer was voted as the Player of the Tournament.

Host club Aberaeron meanwhile enjoyed a great tournament as they got to the final of the Plate competition, before they were edged out 19-12 by Bargoed.