GWILYM Ayre praised his players after Builth Wells’ brave Welsh Schools Cup (WSFA) runs came to an end this week.

The Builth Wells High School physical education teacher spoke of his pride as the school’s Year 7 and Year 9 sides represented Powys in the national rounds of the WSFA Cup.

The young Bulls hosted Carmarthenshire’s Bro Myrddin on Monday and slipped out of the cup following a 2-1 defeat.

The Year 9s made the trip to Criccieth to take on Y Moelwyn on Tuesday.

Despite trailing early on the Bulls grew into the game and looked to have levelled only to be frustrated by the offside flag.

Builth dominated the start of the second-half but were stunned as the hosts doubled their lead following a swift break as the Criccieth side went on to seal a 5-0 win.

Despite coming to the end of the road, coach Ayre backed the school to continue to develop its emerging sporting talent, including its flag bearing football sides.

Coach Ayre said: “I am very proud of all the players who represented the school in this year’s school cup.”

Despite their elimination the school has enjoyed its best results ever in this season’s Welsh Schools Cup and will end the school year as Powys champions at Year 7 and 9 level.

Builth Wells beat Presteigne’s John Beddoes, Newtown and Llanfair Caereinion to be crowned Year 7 champions while victories over John Beddoes, Llandrindod Wells, Newtown and Llanfyllin earned the school the Year 9 county crown.

The school also ended runners-up in the Powys final of the Year 8 cup to Welshpool

Ayre added: “I think the biggest thing as a school has been that we increased the provision of football at break times.

“Also the majority of pupils play for the same club teams outside of school which is a huge benefit when it comes to the schools cup.

“We have some very talented athletes coming through at Builth Wells, in football as well as several other sports.

“Both girls and boys are forward to compete in a number of sports at county, national and in some cases international level.”