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North Walsham Sevens

First time entrants Bedford Blues added their name to the illustrious list of winners at 11th North Walsham Sevens.

Late call-offs by Sale Sharks in mid week and Diss on the morning of the event left tournament organiser Tim Malone the onerous task of rejigging the format.

The local clubs' competition, with their own trophy and prize money attracted 12 entries, with the call-off covered by a North Walsham Warriors side, took centre stage on the main pitch for the opening couple of rounds.

As the competition progressed it was becoming clear that the top four would come from defending champions Leicester Tigers, Bedford and the established invitational sides of Samurai Barracudas and Mccallum Scorpions, but there was some entertaining rugby from first timers West Suffolk College, Kaviti Krusaders and Global Tikka.

In the local competition UEA Medics, Stowmarket, Norwich and Walsham Academy contested the semi-finals with Stowmarket and Norwich making it through to the final in which the Suffolk side ran out convincing winners to take the £350 prize money and the George Campbell Shield.

In the main event, Tigers, having lost to Scorpions in their group, faced Bedford in the semis and the newcomers, who included former Walsham player James Knight dominated proceedings to run out winners 28-12, while Scorpions saw off Samurai Barracudas 19-5. The final was a close run affair. The Blues took an early lead with an unconverted try, but by half-time Scorpions had pulled in front to lead 12-5. In the second period Bedford took control, scoring two tries, one converted, without reply.

Their 17-12 win gained them a cheque for £4000 and the Jill Hambling Cup, Scorpions taking the runners-up prize of £2000.

Middlesex Club Sevens

The 10th anniversary Middlesex Club Sevens finals saw the Old Millfieldians impress everyone going unbeaten in their march to the title. The old boys inflicted a heavy 40-0 loss on a competitive Esher side in the semi-final especially impressing at the breakdown turning over plenty of ball to release some dangerous outside backs. Rosslyn Park met them in the final after themselves impressing in a tight Semi with Ruislip, getting past them 28-22.

The final proved a clash of styles with ‘Park’ playing some physical, hard-edged running lines against a Millfield outfit bustling in confidence, flair and impressive fitness thanks to at least four of the squad still being students at the school. A see-saw match eventually went the way of the OMs with the supremely talented youngster Ollie Lewellyn breaking the deadlock with a lung-busting, jinking run helping his side to a 33-24 win. There were 9 other trophies up for grabs at Richmond RFC. London Cornish took the Plate beating Sudbury in the final 28-21, with Saracens Amateurs possessing too much for Twickenham in the Bowl.

Senior Ladies – Worcester Ladies
Junior Ladies – Royal Holloway
Students Cup – Imperial College
Students Plate – Brunel
Men’s Vase- Pinner Grammerials.

Canterbury Spitfire 7s

Koru Kamikaze continued their fine form this year taking the top prize at the Kent County Spitfire Sevens at Canterbury courtesy of a 33-19 victory over the Olaf's Axes.

Managed by former Canterbury player Jeremy Walmsey and made up of players from Kent and Essex clubs, Kamikaze trailed in the first half before taking control of the final in the later stages.

On their way to lifting the Hallwood Shield they ousted title holders Tunbridge Wells in the semi-final and the only blemish on an otherwise unbeaten run in the pool games was a draw with host club Canterbury.

Bath Spa 7s

The West Country Cavaliers took home the growing Bath Spa University 7s beating the Adam D’Arcey Wass’ side The Godfathers in the Cup Final. Under the management of John Gould, who is also the tournament director for the Bath Charity 7s, The Cavaliers also entered a 2nd VII (The Smashdown Cavaliers) who lost in the Plate to The Outsiders.

NAMS

Nottingham Medics beat Barts Medics in the final of National Association of Medics 7s Tournament. Nottingham were very well organized and beat a Barts side with a sizeable 50 man following who had made the trek up the M1. The tournament was sponsored by Professional Medical Finance and Nottingham will host again following their win. Southampton Medics lost in the semis to Nottingham and Barts beat Sheffield Medics in their semi. Barts played some excellent free flowing rugby with Will Scafiod and Pete Jenkins impressing.

Loughborough Town

Leicester Lions won the final after Loughborough University were disqualified after having won the game for fielding men from outside of their squad. Loughborough were the class side of the tournament beating a number of talented Old Boys teams on the way.