AT the recent Welsh Championships YMCA Barry male section, once again, made their mark with brilliant results in all age categories.

The clubs first success came from Ruben Punter who claimed bronze overall for the under 12s, Ruben was up against a strong line-up which included British Squad gymnasts.

Harri Morgan then went on to claim bronze for the under 14s and Josh Cook also claimed bronze in the under 16s category. These gymnasts’ put in so much time, effort and dedication and were thoroughly worthy of such success.

There were also great performances from Sammi Morgan, Sam Stopgate, Mason Gunter, Taylor and Louis Carter who also competed in the junior age groups.

After an incredible morning for the YMCA Barry Junior boys, the pressure was on for the senior gymnasts who were competing for the first time since the Commonwealth Games, to keep up the success and of course, they did.

Iwan Mepham put in some fantastic performances on high bar, rings and floor but due to a wrist injury, was unfortunately unable to compete in vault, pommel or parallel bars.

Joe Rowland claimed gold on pommel and an incredible second place overall, with brilliant performances on all pieces.

Finally, the reigning Welsh Champion, Clinton Purnell, walked away with his fifth Welsh title in a row whilst, claiming gold on floor, vault, high bar, parallel bars and rings.

With the Welsh Championships behind them, there is no rest for the senior men as they continue training for the upcoming British Championships in March.

They wish the boys every success and they know they will do the YMCA Barry proud.

Of course, special thanks goes to the hard working coaches, Pete Haysham, Brad Haysham and Connor Lewis, who make all of this possible, congratulations to all.