Despite the atrocious weather, Tenby United's first Annual Sevens Tournament proved to be a great success last Saturday.

Ten teams were invited to take part, albeit St. Clears failed to turn up on the day. It was obvvious during the pool games that four sides were stronger than the others, namely Tenby United and Laugharne from Pool A, plus Llangennech and the Invitation VII from Pool B.

The first semi-final was between the hosts, who had squeezed into top spot in Pool A following a shaky draw against Laugharne, and the Invitation VII.

With the elements at their backs, Tenby raced into a 26-0 half-time lead, but the guests, who mainly comprised players from Narberth and Whitland, fought back after the break. Nevertheless, Tenby finished well on top, the final score being 38-12.

Llangennech had looked the best team during their pool matches, but gutsy Laugharne gave them a big fright in the second semi-final. With the advantage of the wind, Llangennech led by just a single unconverted try at half-time, but they showed their quality and resolve and ran out 17-5 winners.

Unfortunately, the side from the Llanelli area lost their star winger Kevin Jones with a leg injury and he was unfit to play in the final.

Before the final, the Plate Final took place. This was for the teams placed third in the pools and was between local rivals, Pembroke and Pembroke Dock. In the National League this season the clubs had recorded one win each, so this game was the decider and it turned out to be a great tussle, with the Quins winning 14-12.

For the final, Teby were also missing fast wing Jonathan Dodd, who was injured in the semi-final, and Shaun Brace was by now limping badly.

The weather was unkind throughout the afternoon, but by the time the final kicked-off the rain was torrential.

With the wind at their backs, Llangennech scored two unconverted tries during the first period and then another immediately after the break. This was the killer blow for Tenby who battled bravely, but could manage just one converted try, the final score being 15-7 to Llangennech, who were delighted with their victory.

It was evident to all those present that although the two best teams made the final, throughout the tournament it was Llangennech who looked the class side and they thoroughly deserved to take the trophy. They did not concede a try in their pool games and enjoyed a 100 per cent record throughout.

Plate final: Pembroke Dock 14 Pembroke 12.

Semi-finals: Tenby United 38 Invitation VII 12; Llangennech 17 Laugharne 5.

Final: Llangennech 15 Tenby United 7.

Tenby United squad: Shaun Brace, Jonathan Dodd, Neil Truman, Paul Luger, Neil Powling, Gavin Brace, Oliver Brace, Scott McGloughlin, Andrew Dennis, Richard Rossiter, Nicky Allen (capt.).

Llangennech squad: Mark Bowen, Derek Lewis, Richard Jones, Mark Lewis, Chris Davies (capt.), Kevin Thomas, Paul Davies, Stuart Hancocks, Stuart Jones, Kevin Jones.

Tenby's Shaun Brace was voted as player of the tournament, closely followed by Llangennech's Chris Davies.

The referees, who did a wonderful job, were Martin Davies, Keith Davies, Tony Pratt, Eirian Edwards and Martyn Williams.

Celebrity guest Jamie Robinson, of Cardiff and Wales, presented the trophies. He will be flying to South Africa with the Welsh team next week.

The tournament was a very well organised event. The working party included Chris Williams, Simon Rossiter, Nicky Rees, Chris Brace, Mike Evans and others.

Although somewhat spoilt by the weather, in addition to the rugby there was fun and entertainment in the form of a bucking bronco, a bouncy castle and face-painting etc. A lot of people worked very hard.

The Sevens were sponsored by Kiln Park Holiday Centre and the teams by Country Services, of Haverfordwest. There were numerous other ball and match sponsors.

The working party is very grateful for the generosity of all the sponsors.