• • Facebook
  • Digg
  • Del.icio.us
  • Technorati
  • Reddit
  • Stumble Upon
  • Furl

18:37

Final word from London Irish captain Paul Hodgson, who caught up with my trusty assistant Tom Chick just now:

“We said at the beginning of the day how great it would be to get some silverware and look whats happened. People like Delon and Steffon (Armitage) could have turned up today and seen it as a bit of fun but the club has come so far in the last few years.

“Four matches of Sevens - there is no better way of getting match fitness than that and it is a great decision from Toby Booth to put our boys forward. We have come through injury free and we were outstanding, I am so proud of the boys, they should be really chuffed with themselves."

Well said Paul.

Right time for me to leave you, thanks for reading this thesis! Check out the day's report form Twickers on our News section. Ciao and play/stay safe on this Saturday night. x

18:27

Irish have been awesome today and when you look at the quality they bought to Twickers today it's no wonder. Most of these boys are the club's key weapons and they were just too clinical and solid in that final. Samurai will be gutted but what an awesome advert for Invitational Sevens they have put on...cheers for flying in from around the world boys.

Another bononza day of 7s here at Twickers, as with the London Sevens back in May they have put on a cracking fiesta, some quality 7s, and a platform for a very enjoyable Gary Player!

A predictable Queen's 'We are the Champions' start and the London Irish boys holds aloft one of the oldest and most prestigous 7s trophies out there.

Thanks for reading folks and make sure you tune into my Live Text Chat for the rest of this season on the IRB Season starting in November from Dubai in the sunshiiiiinnnne!

18:12

Cup Final: London Irish v Samurai International

Samurai asking questions but Irish shut the door firmly, great hit by Richards gets Irish the ball form a penalty. Mazy run from D.Armitage who collects his own chip to give Irish the lead. 7-0. Samurai with a great attacking scrum option but Irish get hold of it and young flyer Watson makes some good yardage and has too much for Samurai’s cover. 12-0. Harsh call from the referee...claiming a forward pass from Walsh when it looked good. Not happening for Samurai folks. Richards makes a break on the far side and he’s free, finding his captain Paul Hodgson and its 19-0 at drinks.

Game Set Match? Kennedy rules the roost in the lineout and a scissors allows Tagicakibau over with Amor trailing behind him. 26-0! Ooohh first yellow card of the day, after Bishop’s step and Tagi’ leaves his washing line out. Samurai still trying to break through this resolute Irish line. Samurai use their man advantage from a scrum and Injera has an easy run to get them on the board. Bishop follows up soon after, shimmying and jinking past Hodgson. 26-12 to Irish. Nacamavuto gets another one back for Samurai but it’s all too late...IRISH TAKE THE 2009 MIDDLESEX SEVENS

Result: London Irish 26 Samurai International 19

17:45

And then there were two....

After 21 games today its the Premiership v Invitational...London Irish v Samurai International

Who wants it the most? Who is going to walk away with the Russell-Cargill Memorial Trophy...

Crowd really into this with most people wanting Samurai's all-stars to triumph with the Kenyan stars going down a treat here. Lets do this.

17:37

Some reaction from beaten Semi-Finalists Newcastle Falcons, it's Rob Vickerman...

"We set high standards at the Falcons with our Sevens along with the Kooga Wailers we have a really good set up. Didn’t get a lot of time to prepare but individually we wanted to prove a point going into this season. Disappointed yes but positives can be taken from the performance. We probably got beaten by the best invitational Sevens team in the world."

17:36

Plate Final: Harlequins v Sale Sharks

Sale using their big men Schwalger and Tuilagi to dent the Quins line and Ryan Clifton capitalises. Clifton is at it again moments later after Quins errors allows him in. 12-0 to Sale. Quins being run ragged now and Matt Williams where have you been all day?! Electric speed as he rounds Wallace to put the Sharks 19-0 up. Take a minute.

Lindsey-Hague has lit up Twickers today and he cuts through again with a lung bursting run under the sticks to give Quins a hope. Macrae and Lindsey-Hague giving it everything but time is running out and Sale showing some really good ‘D’ but eventually they cave in with a short range effort. 19-12 to Sale. Quins can’t get out of their half and Sale do enough to take the Middlesex Sevens Plate back home with them with a late breakaway.

Result: Harlequins 12 Sale Sharks 24

17:09

Right here are the finals line up:

Plate - Sale v Harlequins

After the 'bloodgate' scandal a nice Plate for the Quins trophy cabinet might brighten the place up? Will have to rise above Sale's physicality.

Final - London Irish v Samurai International

Two tight to call....both have been pretty exceptional.

17:00

Who said romance was dead! I have literally seen it all. We have just had a bloke dressed as a Banana propsing on the big screen to a women dressed as a Cave Girl!!? Remarkable scenes. She said yes. Has anyone ever seen a stadium big screen engagement rejected?!

Oh forgot to say in the Irish/Sarries Semi-Final Wayne Barnes has his red card out for the first time today..... but wait, it is not for any of the Irish or Saracens players. We have our first streaker - galloping across the turf and pulling the occasional cartwheel! She took her vitamins that's for sure.

16:56

Cup SF – Samurai International v Newcastle Falcons

It goes from great to bad for Samurai at the start of the second Cup semi-final. Simon Amor makes a superb tackle on Rob Vickerman to halt Newcastle in their tracks, but they then let Rob Miller through too easily to score. 5-0. It is a close encounter, as we expected, and it is not long before the Kenyans combine once more, with Injera touching under the posts. 7-5. Injera turns provider this time as Julien Palmer crosses on the stroke of half-time. 14-5.

Vickerman punctures a Samurai hole and is off before pirouetting and finding Amesbury to cut the deficit to two. 14-12. Palmer looking good here for Samurai and his mini break sets up Injera who finishes neatly. Falcons not giving up though and Aaron Myers (looks like He-Man) bustles up the touchline to hit back for N’Castle. Brilliant play. Bishop starts it with some lethal steps, Amor gives a llong pass to Injera who cuts past Amesbury and back to Bishop! Samurai 28 Falcons 17.What a final we are going to have.

Result: Samurai International 28 Falcons 17

16:45

Right who is going to meet Irish in what’s sure to be classic final. Invitational giants Samurai and their gluttony of all-stars have looked very convincing but the Falcons have been the surprise package with Amesbury, Myers, Vickerman, and Millar really stepping up. Backing Samurai here though. Kiss of death from Heymann that those of you have followed by IRB Text will clarify.

16:36

Cup SF - London Irish v Saracens

Steffon Armitage has really been one of the standout men for me and he gets on the end of another try after good work from Kennedy. Kennedy been the true king of re-starts and his tap back works a treat again with the bustling general himself Paul Hodgson. 12-0. Saracens pressing hard with Tirrell particularly looking dangerous. Hearn is similarly quick and his scything step off his left gets Sarries back in this. 12-5 at the half.

Irish stretch their lead back to 12 points as Peter Richards takes a quick tap which leaves Saracens with no chance of stopping the quick thinking little terrier! But within seconds Saracens reduce it to five through captain James Short. Game on! Who will be the first team into the Cup final? Exhilarating stuff as Sarries push Irish to the last but Tagi’ rubs salt into the wound though, scoring at the last furlong.

Result: London Irish 22 Saracens 12

16:17

Cup semi-finals time. Anyone else a little bit excited?

London Irish showed their intent early on here with the inclusion of several internationals but may be a little surprised to be facing Saracens in the semis. Both sides had touch quarter finals so this may be a case of who has the better fitness! In the other semi-final Samurai stand in the way of an-all Guinness Premiership final as the only remaining invitational side left in the Cup....

16:15

UR7s understands there has been a little bit of banter at Middlesex Sevens in the crowd – shocking....or not! Pub-golfers, farmers and centurions have been battling it out for the coveted ‘best drinkers’ award. Keep telling yourselves there is an award for it lads and ladies! Keep up the good work. That’s what Sunday’s are made for!

16:15

Plate SF: Sale v Northampton

Sale have looked sharp in the Plate. Andy Tuilagi uses his power down the wing and Ed Styles is on hand to cross. 7-0. Ryan Clifton and Koyamaibole exchange passes to double the lead with Clifton popping it down in the corner. The Mexicans in the crowd are enjoying it with their infamous wave before Styles scores his second of the day. This isn’t over by a long shot though and Saints pull one back before the break through John Brake.

Quiet 2nd half apart from some typical unsociable hits Tuilagi. Saints enjoy some possession and some fabulous work from Pointer who sucks in some men on the touchline then recycles to Tom Foden who classily steps in to reduce the gap. Sale 19 Saints 12. Jordan Davies puts this one out of reach for Northampton with a classy finish and it’s 26-12. Sale to meet Quins in Plate Final.

Result: Sale 26 Northampton 12

15:57

Plate SF – Harlequins v Bath Rugby

Harlequins get the oval shaped ball more a less rolling in the Plate semi-finals, and it’s that man, yes you guessed it, Lindsay-Hague storming through to break the deadlock. It may not be the Cup but this Quins side want more silverware at the Middlesex Sevens and Waisea Luveniyali doubles their lead. 10-0. It’s that boy again, Lindsay-Hague who scores right in front England boss Ben Ryan’s who’s watching on... 15-0 and drinks are on.

More of the same from Quins and it’s Richards who coasts up the short side this time to take it to 22-0 to the Quins. Two tired looking teams now with the game effectively over and Quins keeping hold of the ball teasing their West Country opposition. Bath make another error and the ref buts them both out of their misery. Dour half that.

Result: Newcastle Falcons 34 Bath 5

15:37

We just had the results in for the fancy dress competition. Polite applause went up around HQ as live pictures came up on the big screen of Napoleon, Where’s Wally, a duck and a roman. The roman seemed to have it in the bag until a pirate came onto our screens – not your average peg leg though as this women wowed us with her treasure...chest.

15:36

On to the semi-finals we go! Tasty....

Middlesex Sevens: Plate semi-final: Harlequins – Bath
Middlesex Sevens: Plate semi-final: Northampton Saints – Sale

Middlesex Sevens: Cup semi-final: London Irish – Saracens
Middlesex Sevens: Cup semi-final: ULR Samurai – Newcastle Falcons

15:35

Cup QF – Newcastle Falcons v Help for Heroes

Charlie Amesbury – take a bow son! Unbelievable pace, sprinting the entire length . 5-0. Help for Heroes are in trouble with Browne scoring one and creating another for England U20’s Rob Miller. 17-0. Ben Ryan looks on and there is no respite for his side. Amesbury is involved once again and this time Peck benefits. 22-0. Time for some words of inspiration from the International coaches of H4H

It hasn’t work as Vickerman shows his speed and 7s awareness which gets him over the whitwash in the corner to increase the misery for H4H. England 7s flyer Matt Turner now gets in after H4H suck in some men. But it’s all too late. New signing Josh Afi opens his N’Castle account after a lovely weighted pass from Micklewood. 34-5 to Newcastle now.

Result: Newcastle Falcons 34 Help for Heroes 5

15:28

Middlesex Flashback: In 2004 the British Army were given a walkover in the first round as Rotherham were a late withdrawal. In the final they played Gloucester who had lost captain Simon Amor to injury against Newcastle in the first round. A certain Apo Satala scored a brace in the final, as did Isoa Damudamu to take the title 43-24.

15:20

Newcastle and Help for Heroes meet in the final Cup quarter final. So far we have seen one invitational and two Premiership sides through to the semi finals. If our sources are correct, the Falcons have had limited preparation and UR7s understands that they haven’t done had any training sessions in the build up for Middlesex Sevens but they looked good earlier with Amesbury and Vickerman looking very sharp.

15:18

Reaction from Delon Armitage following Irish's big win over the Army:

"We put quite a strong team in this tournament and we feel we are strong enough to win it. I am just grateful to get out there and play with my two brothers and its keeping me in good fitness for England."

"It was great to get out with my brothers, the family are all in the crowd. Steffon is trying to get into England and Guy is only 17 and still at school doing really well. I am just happy to be out there with my brothers."

15:01

Samurai have got a bit of a lucky break with the draw here and will fancy their chances against a young Leeds side in the next Cup QF. With invitational sides dropping like flies, it’s up to Joe Lydon and Mike Fridays team to take centre stage. Andy Gomersall actually used to play for the White Hart Marauders – he was a key man for Leeds earlier today and will need to lead his young charges again now...

Cup QF – Samurai International v Leeds

Kenya stars showing their class here. Firstly Kayange is ably supporting, as he always does, to score then some patient play form the likes of old heads Amor and Walsh put in Injera who is frighteningly quick. 12-0 thanks very much! Tworney gets Leeds back in the mix though finishing off a sweeping team move to take it to 12-7. Try of the day?! Electric stuff from Kayange and Injera combining beautifully before the latter flicks sensationally for Tony Roques. 19-7 to Samurai.

These two are running the show! Kayange draws his man wide and once again finds his bro, and Injera is much much too quick. 26-7 and the ball game for Samurai. Leeds soak up a load of Samurai pressure but Steadman gets possession back for the northerners and cruises in after a poor tackle from Bishop. Error from Tim Walsh gifts an easy score Scott Armstrong. Brutal hand off from Minnaar does the job for Samurai to ease the invitational all-stars into the last four.

Result: Samurai International 33 Leeds 17

14:59

Cup QF – White Hart Marauders v Saracens

Seen a fair bit of James Tirrell on the circuit and he is a useful customer, with good wheels and twinkly toes, and he catches the Marauders early doors but it’s almost immediately cancelled out by Alex Cuthbert as Marauders get off the mark. 7-5 to Sarries. Lung busting run from Hearn who gasses round on the outside and it’s followed up soon after by the sparkly Jamie Short . 21-5 to Saracens at Drinks.

Horribly one way stuff as Phillips extends the leads after Tirrells quick tap catches Marauders napping. They’ve got one back and the impressive looking Cuthbert bags his second to give the invitational team a glimmer- albeit a slim one. Marauders grab another one as Sarries start to tire. But it’s too late. Saracens/Irish will meet in the Cup Semis.

Result: WHM 19 Saracens 26

14:42

The Marauders were hugely impressive against a lacklustre Quins earlier this morning with Welsh International Ifan Evans impressing and Howard Graham as ever a calming influence. Saracens just got through against the Warriors but relied on some individual creativity rather than team 7s...Whose up for meeting Irish in the Last Four?

Some real support to for Army from partisan crowd. My cousin Phil (aka the Big Man) has informed their is a general sentiment of 'lets get behind our boyzz and give them some helicopters'.

14:40

What do you get if you cross one gorilla and eight Bananas?

I am not sure either but I think they believe they can field a Sevens team in the men’s Open today! Afraid not guys – but you are indeed looking the part! Some good fancy dress on show accoding to my trusty assistant Tom who has been roaming the stadium. The amber nectar is starting to flow nicely.

14:38

Cup QF – London Irish v British Army

London Irish have an early 5-metre scrum, but British Army turn the ball over and ship it out wide to Maika Burenvalu with an inch perfect pass. Bunny sprints the length of the pitch to score. Good run from Richards who finds S.Armitage who almost wriggles out of three men but is held short. Great ball continuity from Irish and it goes wide to S.Armitage (having a breather on the wing) who finds some energy to dive in. Take a breather.

Advantage Irish. Tagi’ is patient and then accelerates into life before feeding Hodgson under the sticks. 12-7 to the Premiership. This is getting tense with Irish playing some risky stuff from deep in their own territory but the Army can’t get the ball. Bad missed tackle from Wessels on S.Armitage (who is everywhere!) and he finds Kennedy before the big man shows some good pace to score. 17-7 to Irish. Satala is combining with Gus Qasevakatini to reduce arrears to 17-12 – 15 secs left. ARMY ARE OUT!

Result: London Irish 17 Army 12

14:22

Right moving onto the big boys now. This could be an absolute classic. The thoroughly well drilled 7s exponents form the British Army against the Galacticos of London Irish, Armitage x 2, Kennedy, Tagi’, Richards, Hodgson etc. Too tight to call but I’m plumping for the 7s specialists/soldiers here. Crowd all rooting for the Army...

14:21

Plate QF – Leicester Tigers v Sale

What a match we have on our hands here! Sale make the most of some poor Leicester defending directly from the kick off through Clifton before Leicester level the scores immediately through Cobden. 7-7. Williams must be one of the quicker players today and he sprints over the line. Again Leicester level the scores before half-time, Cobden crossing in a carbon copy of Sale’s try. 12-12.

Leicester need to wake from kick-offs. Sale once again score immediately with Williams crossing for his brace. I genuinely can’t believe this, Cobden completes his hat-trick after a fortuitous bounce off the post. 19-19. This match has sudden-death extra-time written all over it. I was right! Sale get an advantage from the breakdown, and that is exactly what it is. Sale score the golden try through Ed Styles to move on to the Plate semi-final.

Result: Leicester Tigers 24 Sale 19 - Extra time

13:59

We may be having a lot of fun and banter up in the gantry and around Twickenham, but we must not forget the all important reason we are here! The charities being supported are the Injured Players Foundation and the PRA Benevolent Fund, and there is also the Help for Heroes side raising money for an injured British troops from current conflicts.

13:57

Plate QF - Northampton Saints v Wasps

Odejobi is on the end of a pass from Ellis – who shaves the top of Leo’s hair-do off in the process – to cross in the corner. Christian Wade doubles the lead, showing once again he has all the steps and speed required for Sevens, as Wasps look at ease against this Saints team. 10-0. Anders Mogensen steps inside Odejboi and scores under the post to get Saints on the board. Wade is quality. He receives the ball on the wing from Leo and looks in trouble as two men close in on...he evades both and takes his side into the break 15-7.

Grant Pointer darts through some suspect Wasps defending, akin to their showing this morning, and scores under the posts. 15-14. Younger brother of Ben, Tom Foden, capitalises and once again Saints convert. It may be three tries apiece but Saints can clearly kick better! Saints captain John Brake almost puts this tie beyond Wasps. 26-15. Wasps make this interesting though, and Wade goes in again, but with seconds on the clock left a poor kick-off gives them no hope of winning as they hand the possession directly to Saints. The Saints go marching on – 26-20.

Result: Northampton Saints 25 Wasps 20

13:39

Middlesex Flashback: 7s genius Waisale Serevi captained the Penguins side in the Middlesex Sevens in 2000 and in 1999, lifting the trophy on both occasions.

13:35

It is not something we normally often talk about in Rugby, hairdressers, but we can’t not at Middlesex Sevens as they have clearly been busy this week . Dan Leo of Wasps and Gloucester’s Phil Burgess definitely visited the barbers! But the award goes to Quins. Nearly all of their players are sporting that gap year, surfer blonde look. Good use of VO5 boys.

13:33

Some reaction from one of the Help for Heroes coaches, Scottish gaffer Steve Gemmell after his side scraped through against Sale.

“Relieved is the first word, especially when you bring a side together like that. There is a lot of pressure on the boys. We showed what we are capable of as a sevens team, but credit to Sale who are a big and physical team. I am sure we will get better, it’s nice to get the first one out of the way, but we will look to build on the next match.

“The boys put pressure on themselves because they want to perform well when they pull on the Samurai jersey. There a few guys who are a bit disappointed with their performance but first matches are always a bit like that. Teams are gunning for the invitational sides.”

13:33

Plate QF – Harlequins v Worcester Warriors

Ollie Lindsay-Hague is stepping both ways and screeches in from half-way to break the deadlock. Lindsay-Hague played last year and was pretty good, he looks even sharper this year though carving through a big hole to double the lead. 14-0. Nice from England’s Chris Robshaw sucking in a couple and releasing little Gareth Williams. 19-0 as the isotonics are bought in.

Turnover thanks to Wallace and its fed wide to guess who....Lindsay-Hague exaggerated shuffle works a treat and he’s in for his hat-trick. Looks class. Dickson waits patiently for Williams to hit a gap at razor sharp angle and it’s all one way traffic thus far. Lindsay Hague again showing some Serevi-esque moves, unbelievable stuff as he goes in for his 4th against a very tired looking Warriors.

Result: Harlequins 40 Worcester Warriors 0

13:15

Holders Harlequins can’t match their achievements of last year but will want to make amends for their first round defeat earlier. Worcester will be fuming as they were pipped at the last by Saracens. Whose going to be taking an early shower? Jono Ross who went off on a stretcher is now fine and sitting up. That's great news as he looked pretty bad...

Middlesex Flashback: One of my favourite memories from the 90s. England Captain Will Carling outpaced Simon Hunter on the wing for Quins, crossed the line, only to be halted and picked up by Alex Woodhouse of Rosslyn Park to deny the try. Cheers Will!

13:13

Plate QF – Gloucester v Bath

Both team out to take at least something from their journey down the M4. Good physicality from Mercer who steps in and feeds the rangy Chris Cook. 7-0 to Bath. Provider turns scorer as Guy Mercer is in nicely collecting his own chip then doing an odd wideboy/aeroplane dovetail celebration. Kids eh? Bath 14 Gloucester 0. Big bustling Billy Moss (a Prop who I actually went to University with) is now getting in on the act. 21-0 to Bath.

It’s getting naaasty for Glaws as the Bath youngsters continue to pull their pants down with another early breakaway try. 26 to Zip. That’s more like it as Rapson fools Roberts and goes in to register their first points. Nice link work from Big Billy Moss whose feeding Cook for the latter’s brace.

Result: Gloucester 12 Bath 33

12:56

It’s an all-West Country derby in the first quarter-final of the Plate. Bath and Gloucester will both want Sevens bragging rights.
It is a case of hare of the dog for their fans who were first through the gates this morning and must be wondering whether Fred and Wilma are really sat next to them or whether they have had one too many shandys. Game on...

12:55

Here is the line-up for the next stage of games:

Middlesex Sevens: Plate quarter-final – Bath – Gloucester
Middlesex Sevens: Plate quarter-final – Harelquins – Worcester Warriors
Middlesex Sevens: Plate quarter-final – Northampton Saints – London Wasps
Middlesex Sevens: Plate quarter-final – Leicester – Sale

And for the major crown jewels...

Middlesex Sevens: Cup quarter-final – British Army – London Irish
Middlesex Sevens: Cup quarter-final – Kukri White Hart Marauders - Saracens
Middlesex Sevens: Cup quarter-final – ULR Samurai – Leeds Carnegie
Middlesex Sevens: Cup quarter-final – Newcastle – Help for Heroes

12:54

Match 8: Sale Sharks v Help for Heroes

Sale come out strongly with Matt Williams going in early. Back come the Help for Heroes (H4H) though with bug Uche making good yardage before skipper Greg Barden storms in to get them back in it. Sale 7 H4H 5. Nice from Hutton breaking through and having the awareness to find Jericevich.12-7. Hutton is dummying to no-one in particular but it gives him an inch of space and his hand-off is good enough to extend the H4H lead. Sale’s Ed Styles does a little tap dance and scorches through a big gap. 14-17 to H4H.

Upset on the cards here?!! Jordan Davies cashes in off some poor H4H ‘D’ to put Sale in the lead. Ding dong. Back come the those Heroes with Jericevich’s mazy run giving the Charity the lead 22-12. Lovely stuff from Uche who gathers his own chip and releases Speedy Gonzales, Matt Turner. 29-21 to H4H! And that’s how it finished.

Result: Sale Sharks 21 Help for Heroes 29

12:45

Wolf whistles can be heard for the cave girls in the stands. Fancy dress is off the scale! There are Mexicans and the entire Roman army are continuing the international theme, alongside the builders dressed as ballerinas lowering the tone!

12:36

Sale Sharks stand in the way of Help for Heroes making it four invitational sides out of four into the Cup quarter-finals. If Rugby Sevens get into the Olympics we may see a Great Britain side taking part in 2016.

The Help for Heroes side is as close to one of those at Middlesex Sevens. England, Scotland and Wales’ head coaches have combined to take charge of the Help for Heroes sides which includes a mixture of all three nationalities. Welsh Rugby World Cup Sevens winner Tal Selly, Scots Rory Hutton and Peter Jericevich and current England Sevens player Uche Oduoza are all in the squad.

Sale last won the title here back in 1936 – don’t expect them to change that statistic today. Apologies Sharks fans for my brutality there.

12:35

Match 7: Newcastle Falcons v Leicester Tigers

Newcastle are off to a flyer. They turn over a Leicester ball and create the space by switching the ball from right to left. England Sevens star Rob Vickerman plays the all important pass to Charlie Amesbury on the wing to score. Amesbury is moments later – looking sharp. 14-0. BOOM! Great hand-off from Millar on Cobden and it’s all Newcastle. 19-0. Relief for the Tigers who get on the board thanks to Lewington rounding Amesbury.

Mike Tait is on from the bench and is too big and powerful for his man and it’s looking very rosy indeed for the Geordies. Newcastle keep pressurising but give credit where credit’s due to these youngsters from Leicester who are holding on with some good defence on Vickerman and Pilgrim. That’s all folks.

Result: Newcastle 24 Leicester Tigers 7

12:19

For all Leicester Tigers dominance in the 15-a-side format it’s surprising they have only won once here – very much a club that breeds hard-nosed gritty campaigners rather then fancy dans in white boots playing 7s.

But is that about to change with most of this lot here today winning the inaugural Academy Sevens back in May? They face 2007 Middlesex Champions Newcastle Falcons who have some International class at their disposal in new boys Rob Vickermann and Charlie Amesbury and Scotland’s Scott Riddell.

12:18

My faithful assistant Tom Chick just got some reaction from Samurai's star Kenyan Collins Injera following their win over Northampton:

"Yes it is good to get a win, we are a professional side, so that felt good with the guys clicking and bonding and that is what we were looking for but now we are looking forward to the next one."

"It hasn’t been difficult to prepare, because we bonded well. We met on Thursday and it took us a bit of time to actually bond, but it has been a good few days for the boys."

12:16

Match 6: London Wasps v Leeds Carnegie

Wade is simply too fast there, as he bursts through a yawning Leeds gap to take first blood for the Londoners (who play in Buckinghamshire). Slack work from Wasps at the breakdown and Joe Ford takes advantage with a hoof through, ugly try but they all count. 7-7. Nice from the old stage Gomersall, who is wearing those ‘stick mitts’ that were popular in 2001. He shimmys and dummys in for the score. 14-7 Leeds. Drinks.

Jacob Rowan goes through some zzzz tackling from Leeds but is hauled down by Wade – he pops though to Gomersall who scores again! He’s knackered! 21-7 to Leeds. It’s a massacre, another Leeds try! Steadmen now finds a gap and over he goes. Wasps are looking very shoddy indeed. Wade really is the standout man for Wasps who jinks his man to coast in from half-way. Leeds still way ahead though. All too little too late from Wasps who score again with some neat work from Ellis. That’s your lot.

Result: Wasps 19 Leeds Carnegie 28

11:58

Been looking forward to looking at this Wasps outfit. Full of youngsters with bags full of pace and agility. Jack Wallace, Mark Odejobi, and Christian Wade – who has turned out for Samurai a fair few times this year – are going to excite. Dan Leo and James Honeyben give them that bit of experience for the 2006 Middlesex Champions. Newly promoted Leeds are somewhat of an unknown quanitiy with their squad with their average age 20. Think they might struggle here... although new signing Andy Gomarsall is making his debut.

11:56

Middlesex Flashback: British Lion Tom Croft broke onto the scene at the Middlesex Sevens in 2006. He helped Leicester reach the final, which they lost to Wasps, with five tries in the opening four games.

11:56

Match 5: ULR Samurai v Northampton Saints

Simple Sevens from Samurai. They work the short angles nicely then recycle wide and Schuman takes advantage of some sloppy D to go in to open Samurai's account. 7-0. Scrappy from Samurai – and Brake fly hacks through and flops over the ball. Lewis-Pratt converts and we are all even folks. More like it from Kayange, dummying to his brother and skinning Pointer comfortably. Nice form the Kenya Captain. 12-7 at the break.

Brake leading from the front with some great determination but he’s hauled down after some good covering from Schuman. Amor is on and his squirts through a gap and hits Aussies ‘hot-stepper’ Willy Bishop who is in. 17-7. Wee bit of consolation there as Ingle gets one back for Saints but it’s all too late

Result: Samurai 17 Northampton Saints 12

11:38

Samurai are very much the Manchester United of the elite 7s circuit. Full of prestige, always possessing the very best international talent, and an outfit every 7s player would chew their hand off to play for. Former England 7 stalwart Simon Amor is back and of course I can’t wait to see those Kenyan brothers Kayange and IRB leading scorer this season Injera stretch their pins as well as South African stars Schuman and Minnar.

Less than ideal for Saints drawing these boys so early on, but will take some solace from the fact that they have beaten them already this season at Bury St Edmunds. John Brake will be a key man for them today.

11:38

Match 4: Saracens v Worcester Warriors

Firstly it’s Mike Penn who spies a Sarries hole and is in to make 5-0. Back come Saracens with youngster Tirrell now showing his support work too. See-saw stuff this now with Worcester’s Grove making a break and feeding Penn to take it out to 12-7. Worcester ,the experienced Bowley, extends the lead to 17-7 going into the break. Looking good are the boys from Sixways.

Wow where did that come from winger Jamie Hearn pins his ears backs and steams in from 50m to give the Sarries the perfect riposte. Replacement for Worcester (trying to find out his name - apologies) cuts in off his left and is over nicely to make it 24-14 to the Midlanders. Individual flair keeping Sarries in here with captain James Short now jinking and steaming in from 80m! 21-24 to Worcester. Warriors have blown it, they take it into contact and lose it and Short’s break feeds Baldwin to secure the win for Sarries.

Result: Saracens 28 Worcester 24

11:21

Last year’s Plate Winners Saracens with their new South African investors have promised they are not going to turn the club to um well a South African dominated outfit. With most of their first team, wait for it, in um South Africa on pre-season tour it’s left to their Academy youngsters. Shame with the likes of Wyles, Caprice, and Kev Barrett in their ranks they could have done some damage here. They tackle Worcester.

11:20

Middlesex Flashback: In 1996 Rugby League outfit Wigan Warriors included four players with previous union experience, in Martin Offiah, Scott Quinnell, Va’aiga Tuigamala and Shem Talupu.

They came from 15-0 behind in the final and scored 38 unanswered points to take the title 38-15 against a London Wasps side including Lawrence Dallaglio, and Andy Gomarsall who is playing for Leeds this year.

11:20

Match 3: Kukri White Hart Marauders v Harlequins

Nice from Marauders soaking up the Quins pressure with Wales 7s Ifan Evans skating over. Back come the champs though with nice work from Luveniyali feeding Stuart. Massive collision in midfield with Reilly completely taking out his man and both are down. Play goes on though and it’s Stuart again getting over. Jono Ross is the Quins man carried off on a stretcher, it looked really nasty but fingers crossed he is ok. Marauders back in it now when their winger embarrasses Johnny Hampsey on the outside. 12-12 at Drinks!

Ifan Evans is over again for his brace after quick thinking from Howard from a tap penalty. 17-12 to Marauders. Argh that’s loose from the Pub side and Hampsey swoops and is in at 17-17. Great harrying from the Marauders in D and they force a turnover with livewire paul Jarvis scooping to make it 22-17. Time running out for the Champions? Yep, it’s the Plate for them.

Result: Marauders 22 Harlequins 17

11:18

Defending champs Harlequins are back and have signalled their intentions with a competitive squad with Robshaw and Strettle.
The Marauders are one of the old guard on the elite circuit. They have a good mix of old and new Fijian, Welsh, and English talent – always a good mix in a 7s team. They have enjoyed some decent success this season - winning in Kinsale is probably their highlight. Howard Graham their captain is a wily old cat and has won here with the Army before. Based on the White Hart Pub In Eversley – the best pub team in the world?!

11:07

Sorry I haven't informed you of this already today, but these matches are all knock-outs, making them even more important for the players. Of course the losers continue in the Plate competition, but it is the Cup all teams are after!

10:53

The Bath fans may be a little happier now having just seen their West country rivals go down to an impressive London Irish. There may well be an all-West country match later on that could prove juicy for both players and fans!

10:53

Match 2: Gloucester v London Irish

Nice from Glaws’ Molitika forcing a turnover but Irish get it after a massive hit from Tagicakibau (Tagi) and Watson looking very speedy indeed. 5-0. Tagi is just toying with the Cherry n Whites dummying to D.Armitage in the pocket and skinning Burgess nicely. Half.

Kennedy claims the restart, with Watson chipping through to D.Armitage who uses his silky fooballing skills to get over. S.Armitage misses the conversion! That’s better for Glaws and it’s Reuben Haile gassing in to get them on the scoreboard. Nice from Tagi whose mazy run gives him some space, he hears Hodgson’s call infield, and chips for the Scrum-Half to score. 22-7 Irish. Nice from Simpson-Daniel who spots a gap and streaks through. That’s your lot.

Result: Gloucester 12 London Irish 22

10:35

Those ‘Cherry n Whites’ Gloucester up next (interestingly where Satala plays his club rugby) tackling last season’s beaten Premiership Grand Finalists London Irish. Rumour has it Ben Ryan has been helping them out at Kingsholm a bit this pre-season so that should help them. Jonny May is highly rated.

Irish have bucked the trend of a lot of the Premiership boys and picked some of their big spuds. Not only do we have Sailosi Tagicakibau, Nick Kennedy, and Peter Richards playing Delon, Steffon, AND Guy Armitage are playing too! This has got to be the first time three brothers have played together at HQ?

10:34

It’s only the first match and HQ is already filling up. The real die hard West-country boys are up bright and early – or still up from last night - for the first game to support Bath, but ultimately the British Army held firm.

There is already some outrageous fancy dress in the crowd including a group of Tarzan’s who will be pleased to see enough Jane’s in the stadium that will keep them occupied for the day.

10:34

Match 1: British Army v Bath

Patient start by Army with skipper Lee ghosting through a big gap feeding Joe Vatabu who has a comfortable run in to make it 5 zip. Nice from Burenivalu (known in the 7s world as Bunny) who chips his man, picks up the bounce and is in to make it 12-0. Men against boys here with Bath showing their 7s inexperience taking into contact and getting turned over. Oranges.

This Army defensive line is very organised and Bath just can’t unlock it I’m afraid to say, Lee forces a turnover and it’s that man Satala completely doing his man off his right. 17-0. Game of cat and mouse here with Bath enjoying some good possession but lacking that speed man. Nice form Lee who is flicking out of his hand to Saulailai to finish off the boys from the West Country.

Result: British Army 24 Bath 0

10:15

Cor blimey not a bad one to start with! It’s Bath & British Army to get the show under way here for the opening fixture of the day. Bath have really gone with the youngsters here, so a bit of a unknown quantity I’m afraid. After such a turbulent few months internally at the club it’s up to these kids to give a glimpse for the future.

The Army have been running riot this season taking out some big tournaments in UK (Bath, Newquay, Worthing). They are skippered by former Scottish captain Mark Lee and also contain Fiji legend Apo Satala.

10:13

Harlequins are the major winners here in its 83 year history. Winners 13 times and the defending champions here after their win against the Army in last year’s final. The Army are one of four guests here today. They have won this gig twice (01 & 04) and when it comes to 7s with their strong Fijian contingent it’s fair to say they know the craic.

10:11

The Middlesex Sevens is a quintessential English rugby tradition formerly marking the end of the season now very much a beginning of term celebration. Although still enjoyed by the smoked salmon home counties brigade it now sees a decent young crowd in attendance giving it very much an IRB Sevens feel with some Fancy Dress, music, a steady flow of lagers (for the grown ups).

10:05

12 Premiership Teams, 4 Invitational All-Stars, some quality players all at the home of rugby – Staines RFC. Just joshing, we’re at Twickenham – Aka HQ.

09:52

Bad news I’m afraid. Today officially marks the start of the English Football Season. Booo. But wait there is a shiny silver lining of the official curtain raiser to the new Rugby season too. It’s fast, it’s frenetic, it’s another chance to dress up like a clown/fool/legend in fancy dress.... It’s the Middlesex Sevens.