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Former Australian Sevens flyer Nick Reily spearheaded the Burwood Blues to win the inaugural Fitness First Central Coast Sevens Cup at Wyong, writes Nick Jordan.

Reily, a stand out in the Aussie team between 2004 and 2006, crossed for three tries as his invitation side overpowered Parramatta 34-24 in the final to take out the $5000 first prize.

Burwood, from Sydney’s inner west, saw off 11 other teams in the Men’s event, which was played in unseasonal cool, wet conditions at the Wyong Leagues Club.

“It wasn’t the most condusive conditions for Rugby Sevens but it was great to win first up. It’s a really good tournament and we all enjoyed it even though the wet weather nullified some of the teams’ speed,” Reily said.

“We’re not really a club, just a whole bunch of blokes from Burwood who play touch football together, though we have a number of individuals who are quick and strong and that helps in the game of Sevens.”

Reily, 29, has had recent knee surgery and was using the tournament as a comeback, though intends to head overseas rather than join the IRB Sevens circuit again.

“I’m heading to Italy very shortly, so whether the Sevens comes to fruition again will be dependent on how things go over there. I did my time on the circuit!”

Burwood dominated the Final against Parramatta, another Sydney club, leading 19-7 at the break and extending that to 34-7 before the Parramatta side staged a spirited fightback. Reily, named Player of the Final, was joined by Johnny Sinisa, Taani Kaliti and Wes Talanoa on the scoresheet for the Blues.

Six teams contested the Women’s competition and, in the final, Sydney University edged the Canberra Vikings 20-10, although the scores were locked up at 10-10 soon after halftime. Uni’s Sheridan Goh was named the player of the final.

Warringah defeated Gordon 34-5 in the Men’s Plate final, with Willie Bishop (12 tournaments for Australia) showing his skills in front of Aussie coach Michael O’Connor, and the Lloyd McDermott selection won the Bowl.

The total prize pool was $7800, which is sure to increase as the tournament establishes itself on the calendar, and the tournament received great support from Fitness First and other local businesses.

O’Connor was full of praise for the tournament organisers, the format, the facilities and for the timing of the event.

“We’re trying to get a little more organised than we have been in past seasons and this tournament is important to see where players are at with fitness so this event has been very helpful,” he said. “These sorts of tournaments make it easier to select the final 12 for Dubai and George.

“I’m very excited about this event which is at the right time of year for us. We now have trial matches next week, then tournaments in Byron Bay and the Gold Coast so there a few games before the IRB tournaments which is good.”

O’Connor had four or five players placed in teams at the event and revealed he was observing up to a dozen players to replace the likes of Richard Kingi (who starred on the IRB Sevens circuit last season) and has now been included in Wallaby coach Robbie Deans’s extended squad for the spring tour.

“He’s a good young player and has been rewarded so I’m very happy for him and I think it’s good recognition for Sevens as well,” said O’Connor. “Robbie is a great believer in Sevens and I am as well. If you can play Sevens you can play fifteens.”

And O’Connor was in no doubt that Sevens would be an Olympic sport this time next week: “It has broad appeal, played right around the world and is an exciting game. It’s a natural fit for the Olympics.”

That possibility also excited Reily, who played in the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne 2006 and has his eyes on the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi and beyond.

“Being involved in the Olympics would only enhance Sevens’ status in Australia.”

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