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The British Army will use their painful defeat to Esher as a motivational tool heading into the second leg of the National Sevens Series at the West Country on Saturday (June 19).

Despite going into a commanding lead against the guest-side during last weekend’s semi-finals at RugbyRocks, a second half collapse saw them dumped out of the competition 21-24.

Saturday’s competition sees the Army placed in Group B along with Gilbert Pups and local guest side Trust PA Cavaliers at Keynsham RFC.

The team have been awarded second seed status for the event, behind Samurai Intenrational, based on the performances of the core sides at RugbyRocks.

“Esher deserved to win at Richmond, our heads went down and we let them in. Simple as that,” admitted Army Manager, John Voss.

“We analysed it after and looked what we need to improve on. We won’t use this as a negative but more as a positive and take it forward this week. But it was hugely disappointing.”

Voss also feels his side looked fatigued in the latter stages of a stamina sapping day. Many of the Army’s players were involved in a long 15-a-side season with the side also present in Bournemouth and Rome in the build up to the start of the inagurual Series.

"It’s a challenging competition and we’ve had a hard fought season already. There has been a lot of 15-a-side players going straight into the Sevens and we’re just a looked a little bit tired out there.

“ It was a brilliant competition, some top standards throughout. I hope this is going to be the start of a successful season. With sevens’ popularity increasing all the time and with its Olympic status this type of thing has a good future. For a first leg of the Series we thought it was brilliant.”

Related articles:

West Country draw announced for National Series
Samurai win thrilling National Series opener at RugbyRocks