SPORTS fans across Powys savoured a festive season to remember to mark the end of the decade.

Bumper attendances were reported across the region as supporters descended on football and rugby venues for the annual derby clashes.

Boxing Day’s derby between Caersws and Llanidloes Town reported the largest gate of the day with more than 500 cramming into the Recreation Ground for the eagerly anticipated clash between two of Mid Wales football’s biggest rivals.

The match did not disappoint with MMP-NL Mid Wales League One leaders Llanidloes Town hitting back to record a 3-2 win against the 10 man Bluebirds.

Elsewhere the Mid Wales derby at Latham Park saw Newtown welcome Aberystwyth Town with 293 watching the JD Cymru Premier clash while a similar attendance was reported for Oswestry based TNS’ 5-0 thumping of Cefn Druids to stay top of the table.

Similar large attendances across the Mid Wales League saw crowds flock to Waterloo Rovers’ derby clash with Forden United and the Boxing Day clash between Dolgellau Athletic and Machynlleth in MMP-NL Mid Wales League Two.

A large crowd at Llandrindod Wells also honoured the late Graham Middleton ahead of the club’s derby with Builth Wells in MMP-NL Mid Wales League One.

The former club chairman passed away on Boxing Day with supporters of both clubs honouring the popular clubman’s memory with a minutes silence prior to kick-off.

A Llandrindod Wells FC statement read: “It was with great sadness that we received news that Graham Middleton, former chairman of Llandrindod Wells Football Club sadly passed away on Boxing Day.

“Our thoughts go to his family.”

Meanwhile Saturday saw Mid Wales sports fans treated to more festive derbies.

Llanfair United welcomed Guilsfield to Mount Field in JD Cymru North in front of a large crowd

Builth Wells hosted Radnor Valley and Carno welcomed Caersws to Ty Brith with both MMP-NL Mid Wales League One clashes watched by healthy crowds.

League secretary Phil Woosnam said: “These attendances reflect the popularity of the Mid Wales League and it was great to see so many supporters of all generations coming out over Christmas to watch their local clubs.

“Mid Wales is a sporting area and the fact Mid Wales League clubs can attract such healthy support from their local communities really does bode well for the future.”

Meanwhile the region’s rugby clubs also celebrated bumper gates for their festive derbies on Saturday.

A large crowd watched COBRA win at Dolgellau in North Wales League One while the Recreation Ground bank was full for Newtown’s North Wales League Two clash with Llanidloes.