The Welsh Primary Schools Team Championship was held at WIS on Wednesday 8th February.
Despite the event being held early this year, to enable selection for the British Primary Schools, the support was fantastic with 28 teams being entered from 14 schools.
There was a slightly late start because of the weather and traffic congestion but after the usual settling down period, whilst the teams got used to the unique scoring system, the competition ran smoothly all day.
The morning session comprised of 4 groups of 7 teams playing a 'round robin' format on 3 tables per group.
For the afternoon and 'Finals' session, the winners of the morning groups formed Group 1, the seconds group 2 and so on giving 7 groups of 4, again playing a 'round robin' format on 2 tables per group. This ensured each team played 9 matches in almost continuous play throughout the day.
The results:
Group 7 winners: Bedol B
Group 6 winners: Bedol A
Group 5 winners: Grange C
Group 4 winners: Upper Rhymney C
Group 3 winners: Tavernspite A
Group 2 winners; Frongoch
Each of the above received a Group Winners Certificate.
The Championship winners came from Group 1 with every match being strongly contested.
2 matches finished with a 55-54 result. Grange A Swansea(Jake Simeone/Luca Caplin) just held on to take the title, their 3rd title on the trot, and were presented with the Gold medalions and Certificates. St Mary's Cardiff (Joseph Roberts/Jack O'Duffy) took the silver.
Grange B(Liam Tayler/Sam Bevan took the bronze.
There were a number of recommendations throughout the day for the most sporting team award. It proved very difficult to decide on one. However, the eventual winners were Izabelle Morris and Romy Prosser from the West Park/ Pontrondra Schools.
Feedback at the end of the day was very positive and our target to obtain 36 teams, the hall capacity, should be easily obtainable for next years event.
Thanks to all those team organisers who brought the teams along and assisted during the day. It would just not be possible without your help.
A special thanks to Aled, Joanne, Neil, Dai and Ryan, I certainly couldn't have managed without you.
Hope I haven't missed anyone.
Cheers Dennis Bromage.
