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New Zealand's Carlton-Grammar had to show real grit to defend their Bangkok International Rugby Sevens title at Klong Chan stadium yesterday.

Rod Duncan's team, who were in their fourth appearance in the annual tournament, held off a challenge from Lloyd McDermott in an entertaining and well-contested final and came from behind to conquer the Australian side 26-19.

Carlton-Grammar had also been 14 points down in their semi-final against South Africa's Macassar before fighting back to book their final berth.

"We showed a lot of heart and spirit despite being down in the semi-final and the final," said Duncan.

Duncan declared the tournament was more competitive this year, but that his side had prepared well.

However, he said capturing the trophy had exceeded his expectations.

"This year's goal was to reach the last four because the team was a mix of young and experienced players," he said

Many Carlton-Grammar players were aged around 20-21 with one player just 18.

Lloyd McDermott had earlier beaten newcomers Pacific Warrior 17-14 in the other semi-final.

It was an improved performance for them after being semi-finalists last year. Lloyd McDermott's Matt Sonter ended as the top scorer of the tournament with 104 points.

In the BNH Hospital Men's Bowl, the title went to Kasetsart University after they beat Premier Assassins 26-19. Singapore CC7s took the John Stamp Men's Plate title with a 48-0 victory over RBAC University.

In the Beaumont Partnership Womens Sevens, Olimp won the title after beating Arab Gulf Ladies 20-14.

Bangkok Sevens chairman David Dufall said he was satisfied with the success of the tournament in terms of competitiveness and the development of the Thai teams.

"Thailand had young teams but they learned a lot by taking on experienced opponents," he said.

BANGKOK SEVENS: DAY 2 RESULTS

Men’s Plate Qualifying Round - Teams 9th to 16th

Kings College v Southerners 0-25
Mahasarakham v Kasetsart 25-0
RBAC v honburi 35-12
Premier Assassins v BKK Goosers 12 to 38

Bowl Quarter-finals

BKK Bangers v Kings College OB 7 to 34
Air France v Kasetsart ** 10 all
Air Force v Thonburi Uni 28-5
FORFEITv Premier Assassins 0-25

Cup Quarter-finals

Grammar-Carlton v Chiang Mai Suas 34-0
Lloyd McDermott v Don Muang 45-0
Pacific Warriors v  Police 57-0
Macassar v Singapore CC 29-7

Women’s Semis

Olimp v Yala Army 36-0
Arabian Gulf v Bkk IPE 49-0

Plate Quarters-finals

Southerners Chiang v Mai Suas 0-55
Mahasarakam v Don Muang 12 to 21
RBAC v Police 21-12
Bkk Goosers v Singapore CC 5 to 40

“The Beaumont Partnership” Women’s Sevens Final
Olimp v Arabian Gulf 20-14

Bowl Semi-Finals

Kings College OB v Premier Assassins 12 to 19
Kasetsart Uni v Air Force 24-14

Plate Semi-Finals

Chiang Mai Suas v Singapore CC 0-38
Don Muang v RBAC 14-19

Cup Semi-Finals
Grammar-Carlton v Macassar 24-19
Lloyd McDermott v Pacific Warriors 19-14

“ The BNH Hospital” Men’s Bowl Final

Premier Assassins v Kasetsart Uni 19-26

“ The John Stamp” Men’s Plate Final

Singapore CC v RBAC 48-0

“ The Colonel’s” Men’s Cup Final

Grammar-Carlton v Lloyd McDermott 26-19