THE Builth Wells youth team left it until their last game in the season to win their league.

Having only lost two games this season and won some difficult matches against tough opposition, they have fully deserved their victory. They have shown character and determination throughout, and these qualities showed through none more than in the last game against Abercwmboi on May 21.

This game was played in extremely wet conditions, which hampered the flow of the game. Builth began strongly with a try in the first five minutes following a line break ten meters out from the Abercwmboi line by Harry Jenkinson, which was successfully converted by Seb Barrett.

Having beaten this team convincingly mid week, some of the players must have thought this would be another easy game, this was not going to be the case. Abercwmboi having home advantage, and the presence of their coach, former Welsh Lock Ian Evans, looked a different team.

From the restart Abercwmboi came back strongly relying mostly on their large pack of forwards to gain ground and push the Builth defence back which resulted in Abercwmboi being awarded a penalty for off side play which was converted by outside half Mason.

Abercwmboi made full use of the boot by pinning Builth back in their own 22 and keeping them under pressure. The Abercwmboi pack once again dominated and drove over from a five meter lineout and scored, conversion missed, score 8-7.

Builth then dug deep and showed the ferocity and intent this team is capable of. Wave after wave of Builth attacks, keeping ball in hand, drove the opposition back to within ten meters of their line, where the unstoppable Emlyn Luxton came into play, bursting his way through their defence to score near the posts, once again converted by Seb.

Two further tries, first by Luke Morgan, second by Henry Leech, these two players have terrorised defences all season, often seeming to break the gain line at will. Half time score 28-8 to Builth.

Second half saw Builth take their foot off the gas thinking that the finishing line was in sight, this gave Abercwmboi renewed vigor, bringing the score up to 28-20. Builth needing to win by ten clear points to secure the league, threw themselves at the opposition.

It wasn’t until the last minute of the game that Builth managed to get a foot hold in their 22, ball retention was outstanding considering the weather conditions, Harry Jenkinson (man of the match) dictated and bossed his pack of forwards into position five meters from their line to set up the rampaging run of Emlyn Luxton once again, who broke through four tackles to crash over in the corner to secure Builth their league win.

Coach Richard Lawrence said: "Builth youth now have 38 players registered and the squad is continually growing. Each year we take part in different sorts of events to fundraise for charities, from car washes to Foam parties. This season the team has raised £1500 for MDNA which will be presented to the association soon.

"For what the squad has achieved this season they should be extremely proud both on and off the pitch. If there’s any player wishing to join us, then please come along to pre-season, you are more than welcome."