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Chicago Lions continued their good run of form with a dominant win at the Kansas City Blue 7s. The tournament acted at the fifth qualifier of USA Sevens LLC’s Championship Cup Series (CCS). 

Facing the Denver Barbarians in the final the Lions proved too clinical running out 29-5 winners.

With Mark Roberts and Rocco Mauer dominant throughout the day, the Lions enjoyed wins over Huskers (48-0) and hosts the Blues (29-5) in the final. 

In the knockouts they beat Denver’s second string (45-0) and Dallas Quins (24-12) to book their place in the final.

Chicago’s win at the Lakefront 7s earlier in the season means they have already qualified for the CCS Finals in Las Vegas, with their spot set to be taken by a Wildcard. By finishing runners-up Denver guarantee their place for Sin City.

Nova lose out at Cape Fear

A week ago saw the fourth qualifying CCS leg staged at the 36th annual Cape Fear Sevens.

The Premier bracket championship game pitted Bill Gardner’s NOVA collection of stars against the newly formed Pacific Island Barbarians—a group of expats from Samoa and Fiji. 

In a hugely physical contest it was the Barbarians who reigned supreme beating a Thretton Palamo inspired NOVA to grab the title, 24-22.

A typical bulldozing run from Palamo had given NOVA a 17-22 lead and with the Barbarians down to six men, they looked heavy favourites.

But the Pacific Island Barbarians scored at death to once again reduce NOVA to the role of perennial bridesmaids.
The Barabarians are ineligible for the CCS Finals so won’t be partaking in Vegas. NOVA overcame 1823 Rugby 24-12 in the semis with the Pacific Islanders rocking New Orleans.

Championship Cup Series Qualifiers (top two from each event makes Finals)

Las Vegas Midnight 7s (June 19) - Humless, East Palo Alto
Lakefront 7s (June 26) - Chicago Lions, Milwaukee
PAC 7s (June 26) - CAS Sharks, NYAC
Cape Fear (July 4) - Pacific Barbarians NOVA
KC Blues 7s (July 10) - Chicago Lions, Denver Barbarians
Denver 7s, July (24)
NY 7s, November (23)