THE Old Penarthians Under 8s (Titans) returned to the scene of their first ever tournament at Llantwit Major RFC hoping to improve on the previous season's second and third place finish and they didn't disappoint.

Entering two squads of fourteen players was a testament to the work that has gone into the Old Pens Minis and Junior section over the last few years and is also a great reflection on the commitment of the parents, coaches and especially the players.

With a team in each pool, Old Pens Blue and Yellow, and the winners due to meet in the final, everything was to play for.

Wil Seeley returned to the squad after a deserved summer break and showed much improved tagging, combining with teammates Joe Francis-Oaten and Macsen Callaghan to make it difficult for opponents to score. Morgan Pendleton-Jones displayed his usual graceful running, joined by Max Pratt who ghosted in for a superb try. Ethan Galsworthy was involved in defence and attack, showing off a lovely pirouette to fool the opposition and score one of many tries. Callum O'Brien continued his improvement from last season with numerous tries and tags, matched by fellow Pen Y Garth pupil Louis Lawrence. A much improved performance from Ethan Beasley as he developed in confidence and gave a glimpse into what he is capable of, no doubt driven on by the arrival of close friend Charlie Meyer who made an excellent tournament debut. James Bennett played the vital team role, supporting teammates in attack and defence with some great running lines of the ever evasive Haydn Craven. William Davis showed tremendous focus in carrying the ball with an exceptional try following a run along the touch line and Jericho Perkins showed how well he reads the game, adding an interception try to his tally. The Yellow team were unbeaten in their pool and progressed to the final.

Over in the other pool, the Blue team matched their club-mates with some excellent rugby. Steffan Davies returned to the team after his broken arm last season and showed his leadership quality. Luke Summerfield continues to develop with some superb tagging, matched by Oliver Long and a returning Jacob Edmunds. Connor Kennedy and Dylan Davies combined on several occasions to help their team win and a special mention for Evan Friis who at one point made four tag-tackles in a row helping his team turn over the ball. Some great improvement once again from Caleb Isherwood who is really coming into his own, especially in defence. Twm Ryan-Davies celebrated his birthday with several blistering tries joined by fellow speedster Gethin Dobbs-Evans. Neirin Gilani showed his competitive streak - developed on the tennis court - working with his team to create and score tries, no doubt driven on by the steady presence of Freddie Evans and the ever vocal Harry Edwards. Joshua King continues to develop as a rugby player, contributing to a final pool game victory that sealed the Old Pens Blue team a place in an all-Old Penarthians final.

The final was played out in a manner that epitomises rugby, both teams eager to win but respectful of their opponents and playing in the ethos of the game. A tight game witness both sides trade tries with neither able to establish a lasting advantage. Or was only fitting that the final ended in a draw, honours even at six all. The Old Penarthians Titans, winners of the Llantwit Major - Sinclair Direct Under 8s tournament. Coach Ryan Pratt, shortly departing for Las Vegas to marry his fiancée Keira Evans-Determan said "it's the best send-off imaginable, the parents, coaches and especially the players made this a fantastic day".