Despite many players being still involved in the 15-a-side game, the 2018 7s season got underway for the Carmarthen Warriors in Kinsale last weekend.

The Elite Men’s side headed to Ireland to defend last years Bowl triumph, and returned home with the Plate, the Ladies opened their account with a tournament win at Aberystwyth.

As the WRU Championship was complete, the Warriors management were able to select a strong squad for the popular tournament.

In their first pool game against the RaRa Roosters, the Warriors were slow to find their feet but recorded a 19-17 win. Next up were old friends the Godfathers, and the Warriors began to click, disposing of the West Country side by 26-17. The final game against the apparent whipping boys of the group, UCD Dublin, was a comfortable 38-5 victory.

The following day would see the Warriors matched against the challengers to their Premier Welsh 7s team crown, the Ponty Butchers. In what will surely be the first of many such games this season, the Warriors failed to turn up and were banished to the Plate competition with a 24-17 loss.

With the possibility of at least returning home with some silverware the Warriors again beat the Roosters but lost to eventual overall Champions the Waterboys.

The Plate semi final followed and again UCD were put to the sword, shipping 15 points without reply.

This set up another clash with the Godfathers in what was to be a scintillating final.

With the impressive Chris Roberts continuing to be at the centre of everything, and the whole side superbly marshalled by Tomi Jones, Ashley Sutton was allowed to cause havoc in the Godfathers defence, crossing their line four times.

A 36-21 final score line ensured the Plate was on the bus back to Carmarthen.

At the post tournament festivities, Warriors supremo Arwel Davies was quick to praise his squad, promising improvement as the season unfolds. A special mention went to Warriors player of the tournament Jac Morgan who looked like one to follow in 2018. Another newcomer, Ryan Davies, also looks likely for a recall.

Just across the water the Warriors Ladies were celebrating too, having taken the Aberystwyth 7s title without losing a game.

Warriors: Chris Roberts, Jac Morgan, Dan Davies, Mike Jones, Tomi Jones, Ryan Davies, Jon Rothery, Ross Pritchard, Ben Guy, Ashley Sutton, Wes Cunliffe, Jac Price, Tom Powell. Coaches: Wayne Price and Arwel Davies.

Warriors Ladies: Keely Evans, Rhian Jenkins, Mari Jenkins, Meleri Hicks, Lauren Petche, Catrina Bowen, Betsan Ellis-Williams, Kirsten Field, Sophie Pick, Sioned Llewelyn, Megan Price, Siwan Elenid, Angharad Evans