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Samurai International have been crowned overall champions in a thrilling culmination to the inaugural National Series at the Newquay Surf Sevens.

Although the British Army won the individual Newquay leg, drawing themselves level on 48 points in the log with Samurai, the servicemen were denied the Series thanks to an inferior points difference.

In a pulsating climax at the Newquay Sports Centre, Samurai’s shock defeat to the White Hart Marauders in the semi-finals meant the Army needed to win the final by 46 points to triumph.

Despite a superb performance, the 36-7 scoreline meant they hadn't quite done enough. In the race for Twickenham, the HFW Wailers and Marauders join the top two at the Middlesex Sevens (August 14), with both sides finishing joint third.

Cup final

The Army wasted no time in the day’s finale with two early scores to Malakai Magnus and leading try-scorer Gus Qasevakatini making it 10-0. Playing at an obvious high tempo with a mountain of points to attain, the young Marauders struggled to keep pace.

Sensational power and support from the irresistible Apo Satala saw two more first half tries with the men in red heading to the break 24-0 up.

Gerhard Wessels’ yellow card failed to stop the Army’s momentum with Fiji international Jack Prasad scoring a scintillating try to make it 29-0 with the on looking Samurai visibly worried.

But the Marauders, making their first National Series Cup final, started to enjoy some possession and parity at the breakdown. They were rewarded with a Kevin James try to frustrate their opponents further with time ominously running out. A late Inosi Laqekoro’s confirmed a heroic tournament win for the Army but they ultimately missed out on the grand 2010 National Series prize.

Semi-final

The shock of the day fell in the semi-final with the Marauders putting in their finest performance of the Series to upset a much changed Samurai, 12-7. Paul Jarvis’ two outstanding tries for the Hampshire-based side meaning Samurai would not be present in a Cup Final for the first time this season. 

The HFW Wailers again suffered semi-final disappointment crashing out to a rampant Army, 26-7. Qasevakatini scoring a typically classy double with Prasad and Laqekoro also crossing the whitewash.

Quarter-finals

The Smurfs were desperately close to knocking Samurai out an epic last-eight clash. The Welshmen coming from three scores down to take the lead 17-19 late in the second half with scores to Jonny Wehbe, Alex Walker and the express Owen Broad. But Samurai’s never-say-die attitude kicked in with London Welsh’s Errie Classens last play try enough to send them through.

Olorun ID, unbeaten in the pool stages, were looking to continue their momentum against the Marauders but found themselves 7-26 early in the second half. Tom Mitchell, Chris Rose, Ifan Evans, and Alex Cuthbert the Marauders try-scorers. Late ID efforts from Kyle Palm and the tireless Sam Shires proving too little too late. 

It was a difficult day for the Gilbert Pups who never find their rhythm in their last-eight tie with the Wailers. Hamish Smales (2), Tyson Lewis and Scotland international Peter Jericevich guiding the Wailers to a 24-14 success.

Guests Kamikaze had battled through to the Cup knockouts but found the Army in ruthless form, finding themselves 24-0 behind. Tries to Tomi Jones and Oxford Blue Tim Catling were rewards for a much improved second half to Kamikaze who eventually lost out 31-12.

Player of the Tournament was Apo Satala (Army) with Gerhard Wessells (Army) picking up the Player of the Series award. Miles Mantella (WH Marauders) was rewarded with the Young Player of the Series prize.
 

Plate Final

Core side Apache picked up their first silverware of the season with a win in the Plate. Facing French guests Force XV French Froggies in the final, Apache dominated proceedings. Young talent Will Jones again impressing with a hat-trick, whilst captain Dan Connolly grabbed a brace in the 52-17 rout.

In the semi-finals Apache proved too good for Ronin (27-0) with the Froggies knocking out local boys the Handstand Harlequins (19-35).

 National Sevens Series Knockouts – Newquay Surf Sevens

14:20 Cup QF - British Army 29 Kamikaze 12
14:40 Cup QF - Olorun ID 19 White Hart Marauders 26
15:00 Cup QF - Samurai International 22 Akuma Smurfs 19
15:20 Cup QF - HFW Wailers 24 Gilbert Pups 14
15:40 Plate SF - Apache 27 Raging Bull Ronin 0
16:00 Plate SF - Handstand Harlequins 19 Force XV French Froggies 35
16:20 Cup SF - British Army 24 Wailers 7
16:40 Cup SF - White Hart Marauders 12 Samurai International 7
17:00 Men Open - West Country Cavaliers 36 Touraid Castaways 7
17:30 Womens Open - Wooden Spoon 22 AAC Amsterdam 15
18:00 Plate Final - Apache 52 Force XV French Froggies 17
18:30 Cup Final - British Army 36 White Hart Marauders 7

National Sevens Series Standings (after 4 events)

1.Samurai International 68 (pts) – Champions via points difference
2.British Army 68
=3.HFW Wailers 48
=3.White Hart Marauders 48
5.Gilbert Pups 42
6.Akuma Smurfs 40
=7.Apache 32
=7.Olorun ID 32
9.Raging Bull Ronin 20