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Despite a strong international line-up it was the local teams that stole the show at Canada’s Abbotsford Rugby Sevens.

Valley High, a collection of current Canada Sevens internationals from Victoria, proved victorious in the second staging of the tournament.

Meeting the Canada Maple Leafs in the final, a group of youngsters in the national developmental pipeline, the experience of Valley proved crucial in a thrilling 29-26 win.

Bryn Keys, Ciaran Hearn and Sean White all scored in the day’s showpiece after teams such as the South African Barbarians, Kenya Western Selects and the Fiji Ambassadors all fell by the wayside.

Valley High seemed to be on cruise control at certain junctures, leading 17-0 in the first half and 29-12 during the second period. The Maple Leaf scored twice at the death to make for an exciting climax but the experience of Valley High proved crucial as they picked up the $4000 cheque.

"It's a good rivalry," said Bryn Keys, an Abbotsford native who has international caps for the Canada's Sevens and 15-a-side squads.

"They're a bunch of young guys trying to prove themselves, and we're the veterans. They're young, they're fit, and they never give up. They pushed us to the end."

The Dog River Howlers out of Regina, Sask. clinched third place in the international division, knocking off Burnaby Lighthouse. The Howlers' Ian Schoults was named tournament MVP after racking up 16 tries.

The South Africa Barbarians claimed the Abbotsford Sevens Plate competition emblematic of winning in the consolation bracket.

The South Seas of Victoria ran away with the elite men's division title, dominating Meralomas 31-7 in the final. Burnaby Lake Lighthouse won the women's crown, while Valley West secured a thrilling 39-34 victory over Valley East in the U16 boys title game.