TEENAGE rugby players beat teams from across the country to claim a title during a 7s tournament.

Helston Rugby Club’s under 16 side won the plate competition in the Devon and Cornwall Series held as part of the annual Newquay 7s.

The side were drawn in a group with Welsh team Fall Bay, Kidderminster and Barnstable.

In their first match, Helston lost out in a hard fought battle with Fall Bay as team based on the Gower Peninsula ran out 17-7 winners.

The team gained a lot of confidence from this going into their next game against Kidderminster, who they dominated from the start winning 42-5.

They then came up against a tough Barnstable team, who would eventually finish as runners-up in the cup section, with the Devon team scoring seven tries in the match.

Helston were then put in the second tier plate section of the knockout round and after defeating Swansea in the semi final 40-5, they then toppled Kidderminster in the final 42-7 to win the plate.

Coach Paul Duval said it was good to be part of the competition and return home with silverware.

Duval said: “It was a fantastic day and great to have the opportunity to play against sides from out of the county and be involved in a nationally organised event.”

Helston's squad: Lewis Channon, Jonny Vincent, Lewis Howe, John England, Jake Bowers, Tiaan Clark, Dan Duval, Matt Blee, Finley Holden, Wade Toy, Ben Richards and Harry Dark.

Alongside the head coach, Rob Holden, Ian England and Simon Bisson also helped with the team’s coaching.