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A look back from Saturday’s group stages at the Newquay Surf Sevens, the final leg of this season’s National Series. 

CLICK HERE for a summary of the knockouts.

Group A:

Johnny Wehbe’s early try gave the Akuma Smurfs hope against the Series chasing British Army. Jack Prasad and Apo Satala hit back for the servicemen just before the break. But the Welshmen’s pace began to tell with the Wehbe grabbing a second and the electric Owen Broad putting the Smurfs into a shock lead. Yet Gus Qasevakatini’s late try saved the day for the Army as they won through 20-17.

It didn’t get easier for the Army when they met Apache, going into half-time only one score ahead. They started to find their range though as tries for Laqekoro and Prasad eased the Army away in the second period (28-12).

Pacey winger James Greenwood scored early to give Apache an ideal start when it was their turn to face the Smurfs. But Wehbe, Steve Taylor and Nathan Trowbridge scores turned the tie in the favour of the Smurfs as they advanced to the Cup knockouts.

Group B:

A new-look Samurai started brightly against guests Kamikaze in their opener. Six tries in total for the Series leaders including a hat-trick for captain Mark Bright.

England Sevens man Josh Drauniniu was in sparkling form when Samurai faced Ronin. Some huge fends and dazzling feet from the winger giving him four tries with Samurai taking a regulation 0-38 win.

Kamikaze/Ronin proved to be an epic with little to separate the two sides. Shaun Thomas (2) and the reliable Aaron Takarangi put Ronin into a healthy 7-21 advantage. But Kamikaze’s Tomi Jones crossed for two converted tries to tie things up. The 21-21 draw enough to send the guests through via points difference.

Group C:

The Pups, chasing a spot at the Middlesex Sevens, were in ruthless form against local guests Handstand Harlequins in Group C. The Esher contingent of Stephenson, Odejobi and Edwards all crossing in the 40-0 win. 

The Pups again looked to be cruising against Olorun ID, taking a 7-19 lead. But the ID put in their best spell of the Series with four answered tries, including a brace for Chris Clark as they stole an impressive 29-19 win.

Kyle Palm’s hat-trick versus Handstand Harlequins made sure ID went through unbeaten from Group C. Six tries in total in a comfortable 19-34 win.

Group D:

The White Hart Marauders/HFW Wailers clash looked a mouthwatering tie with both core sides chasing a Middlesex Sevens spot at Twickenham later this summer.

With the scores locked at 7-7 heading into the second half it was the Wailers who nudged ahead thanks to a solo effort from Jack Smales as Tyson Lewis also crossed. A late Marauders try not enough to stop the Wailers grabbing a confidence boosting 12-19 win.

French visitors Force XV French Froggies found the going tough against the Wailers in their Group D fixture. Lewis (2) and Jack Smales (2) again doing the damage in the 35-7 win.

Welsh International Ifan Evans raced in for three scores when the Maruaders clashed with the French. Young talent Chris Rose added a double to see the Hampshire-based side through to Cup knockouts 7-42.
 

National Sevens Series - Newquay Group Stages

10:00 A British Army 20 Akuma Smurfs 17
10:20 B Samurai International 32 Kamikaze 7
10:40 C Gilbert Pups 40 Handstand Quins 0
11:00 D HFW Wailers 35 French Froggies 7
11:20 A British Army 26 Apache 12
11:40 B Samurai International 38 Ronin 0
12:00 C Gilbert Pups 19 Olorun ID 29
12:20 D HFW Wailers 19 Marauders 12
12:40 A Akuma Smurfs 21 Apache 12
13:00 B Ronin 21 Kamikaze 21
13:20 C Handstand Quins 19 Olorun ID 34
13:40 D Marauders 40 French Froggies 7