Brecon Baa Baa’s, a veteran rugby team from Brecon, won the Beach Rugby Wales Plate Final on the weekend despite playing in the sweltering heat.

The tournament took place on the sands of Swansea on Saturday, July 12.

The Baa Baa’s - consisting of Huw Phillips, Howell Havard, Lyn Parry, Gareth Owens, Richard Reeves, Des Lally, Paul Williams, Christopher Jones, Andrew Craddock, Alan Taylor (Captain), Matthew Watkins, and Aled Falvey - were victorious in bringing the Plate home after beating Parc Prison Staff team eight tries to two in the final.

Des Lally summed up the day. He said: “A hot day from start to finish, but a good day. It was good fun and what veteran’s rugby is all about, getting guys back together and exercising. From a physical and mental health point of view it’s great. A great day was had by all.”

This was the third time Brecon veterans had competed at the annual tournament and the team became fan favourites in the final, hearing chants of “Brecon! Brecon! Brecon!”

“We became the crowd’s favourite really in the final and heard all sorts of chants,” said Des. “The referee came up to us after the game and said the final was the best game she had refereed all day, not only from a playing point of view but a pleasure to officiate too.”

The Baa Baa’s are a team within Brecon RFC, consisting of players over 35 who train regularly and take part in a variety of fixtures throughout the year.

Talking about the team, Des said: “It’s great for guys of a certain age. We get out the house, we train most Friday’s and have a number of touch games during the year and some full contact games thrown in.”