NEWS
more »National Sevens Series - Manchester group stages
A look back from Sunday’s group stages at the Manchester Sevens, the penultimate leg of the National Series.
CLICK HERE for a summary of the knockouts.
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Group A
The Akuma Smurfs were slow starters against Series leaders Samurai, finding themselves three tries down early on in the day’s opener. Tries from Alex Walker and Owen Broad did get the Smurfs back into it, but a Geoff Griffiths score made it 22-12.
Matt Goode’s first half score gave Raging Bull Ronin a sniff when it was their turn to challenge Samurai. But tries to Purdey, Ngawini, and Murray saw Samurai through unblemished.
Three quick tries to the Smurfs swung their tie with Ronin in their favour. Strong footwork from Gregson kept Ronin in touch, but the Smurfs weren’t to be denied and two more efforts from Broad and Richmond flyer Jonny Wehbe sent Ronin down to the Plate.
Group B
The Army signalled their intent early against guestd Pacific Warriors in a 29-0 display. Gus Qasevakatini (2), Kava, Lagilagi and Burenivalu all getting on the scoreboard.
Olorun ID started their campaign scoring with a wonderful effort that was finished by Tom Jarvis. But the servicemen started to take control with Burenivalu adding two in the 35-12 win.
ID joined them in the quarter-finals putting in their best performance of the season to book their first Cup slot. Ricky Thomas led by example with a double in the 7-27 win with Shires, Legg and Andrew Daish also getting past the chalk.
Group C
The Gilbert Pups shocked the Wailers in Group C. Neville Edwards’ last gasp try giving the Londoners a dramatic 21-22 win. Josh Fowles, who had transferred from the Wailers, had scored earlier to rub further salt into the wounds.
A comprehensive 39-0 win for the Pups followed when they met GB Students, topping Group C in the process. Fowles scored two of the seven tries.
The Wailers were again lethargic when they met the Students falling behind 7-19. But Mark Laycock’s side showed real character with captain Scott Riddell scoring a late winner, as the Wailers scraped through.
Group D
An under-strength Apache found the White Hart Marauders too hot to handle in Group D. Miles Mantella (2), Chris Rose, Jake Henry and player/coach Howard Graham scoring. Mantella again lived up to his increasing reputation against Sale Sharks.
The Harlequins Academy man getting over twice with the equally promising Chris Rose also grabbing a double, in a 29-12 win. Apache took a 12-7 lead when they faced the Sharks thanks to Will Jones and Sam Caven. But the Premiership outfit then began to dominate to seal their passage through.
New signing Marika Vakacegu(2), Rhys Crane and Matt Oregan all getting tries in the 12-35 victory.
Manchester Sevens Group Stages
A Samurai International 22 Akuma Smurfs 12
B British Army 29 Pacific Warriors 0
C HFW Wailers 21 Gilbert Pups 22
D Marauders 31 Apache 0
A Samurai International 19 Ronin 7
B British Army 35 Olorun ID 12
C HFW Wailers 26 GB Students 19
D Marauders 29 Sale Sharks 12
A Smurfs 29 Ronin 15
B Pacific Warriors 7 Olorun ID 27
C Gilbert Pups 39 GB Students 0
D Apache 12 Sale Sharks 35
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