Sevens Summary

It's All Ever so Close!

This was a gut-wrenching day for a Canadian side that played good sevens, gave of their best but were not rewarded. It started with a close, one try to loss to an English side that went on to finish in third place. England were edged, 5 – 0 by N.Z. in their semi and went on to defeat a further improved, U.S. side, 24 – 21 for third place, in a game that was basically “all over” early but The Chooms imploded in the second half making the likes of Baker’s speed look very good. The U.S. skill level is improving and to beat them you need to do exactly what Canada did, strike early, smother defence to pressure the skills….. enough said, as there are more in number and far more astute analysts than this one, out there!

Even more gutting was to lose 12 – 14 to a Scottish side that went on to be just nutted by South Africa, 12 – 10 for 6^th/7th place, with Canada finishing 8^th. Canada led, on the backs of a beauty from Duke and Kay, finishing a good team try, only to be nutted at the bell by a good Scottish native son, Joe Nayacavou. The Scottish loss to RSA must have seemed like poetic injustice to them, after their victory over Canada. The final saw two familiar adversaries, N.Z. & Fiji, with Fiji playing humbling sevens for a 24 – 17 win and top of the pool table with one tournament remaining.

Canada’s consistency has been a credit to them in the last two outings, playing at a high performance level, the style of play that will earn the rub of the green. One can’t help but think they must be excited going to London next week. Still placing 11^th but with France and Samoa easily in striking distance, for a top ten finish. This tournament was well supported by the Scots, a lively and “full” crowd despite the dour Scottish “mist”. The Canadian side appeared “healthy” with some doubt around, what looked like an ankle for Hearn.

FOR THE RECORD – Congratulations to the winning clubs in B.C.R.U. Finals yesterday, with UBC coming out as top dog – not bad from winners of Div1 to winners of the Premiership. There is no doubt there must be credence given to a very successful recruiting program, the likes of which is mere wishful thinking for clubs, a reality, not a whine! Worth noting, saw seven CW Mini Rugby grads in finals action yesterday – ‘onyas!

Chasing The Chooms....