SPORTING stars from across Gwent got in the spirit of Shrove Tuesday in the annual Parkway Hotel pancake making challenge.

Teams of three players from Newport County, Newport Gwent Dragons and Pontypool RFC put aside sporting rivalry to have some light-hearted culinary fun.

Each team member had a go in front of the judges before the best three fought for local pride in the final.

Pontypool winger Graham Bishop, 21, who burnt his attempt said: “I haven’t got round to practicing before today, but I went for a lot of chocolate and sugar to make up for the crispiness.”

Fellow Pontypool player, prop Joe Popple thought he had the judges favour with some show-boating and a double ‘sandwich’- esque attempt in the final, only to lose to Newport Gwent Dragons back-rower Lewis Evans.

Giving his tips for the perfect pancake, Evans, 28 said: “I copied what the chef showed us, thin, sweet and a bit of decoration. I think the thinner it is the more taste comes out.”

“It was a real team effort, I learned from the mistakes of Adam [Hughes] and Jason [Tovey], who both went too thick.”

The players had the basic ingredients for their pancakes as well as chocolate, fruit, sugar and lemon to use for a decorative edge.

The Dragons ended Pontypool’s two year reign since the event began, whilst Newport County finalist midfielder Yan Klukowski, 28, shot was commented as looking more like a Yorkshire pudding.

Acting as chief judge Parkway manager Kerry Jennings added: “The event has a real buzz about it, and we like to support the local teams and community.

“I was worried we were going to have the sprinklers set off by the Pontypool boys and unfortunately they weren’t up to their usual standard as in previous years, being far too thick.

“I really liked Lewis’, it was sweet with a valentine’s theme, the chocolates being nicely shaped in a heart.”