ON Saturday, May 19 the d4T Preseli Babas 7s side were back in action, this time at the Old Penarthians 7s in Cardiff.

And they backed up their tournament win in Aberystwyth with more silverware this time around.

Once again the Babas were hit by injuries as well as being affected by the 15-a-side season still going on. Captain Amir Jiwa Walji was missing, meaning the experienced Gareth Owens stepped in as skipper.

Despite the absentees, there were plenty of reasons to be optimistic. Firstly, the side welcomed back in-form Crymych winger Laurence Headlam, as well as being able to call upon the services of Premiership duo Geraint Watkin and Aled Cockwell for first appearances. Winger Shane Howells, last season’s best newcomer James Vechio, and Tomos George all came into the squad.

First up for the Babas was the Glantaf Goats. After a slow start it was skipper Owens who inspired a resilient display that saw the side lead until the final play, when a last gasp try sealed the Babas first defeat of the season by 22-19.

Second up were the Ponty Butchers - it would have been easy for heads to drop from the first defeat but the side showed their character to come out 24-12 winners.

They then had the final group game against Old Penarthians, who had won both their opening games against the Butchers and the Goats. The side upped the intensity and impressive finishing from Headlam and Alun Evans, initiated by the creativity from Owens and Watkin and co in the middle of the park, sealed a comfrotable win.

Despite having the best points difference in the group and equal points with the Goats and Old Pens, the Preseli side went into the semi final of the Plate as Old Pens had notched mpore tries.

But this at least gave the squad a chance of revenge with a semi final against the Goats.

The Pembrokeshire based side were now in their stride, and played some great 7s to win 31-24 and secure a place in the final.

Penarth RFC were the final opponents - who raced into a 12-0 lead, and it took some brilliant finishing from in-form winger Alun Evans, the team's player of the tournament and top try scorer (6) on the day, to inspire the Babas to a great comeback and a 38-17 success.

It meant for silverware for the squad after only two tournaments this summer, and next up is the Sundogs 7’s Festival - where the squad will enter teams in both the Elite and Open competitions. 

Preseli Babas: James Vechio; Gareth Owens (c); Aled Cockwell*; Geraint Williams; Dan Evans; Geraint Watkin*; Alun Evans; Laurence Headlam; Tomos George; Osian Edwards; Ben Barnett; Shane Howells*.
*Donates first appearance for Babas.