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Perennial Schools Sevens powerhouse Millfield stormed to victory at the South Coast Sevens at the weekend.

The Somerset school dominated throughout the day before finally beating Colstons 29-10 in the final in front of watching England Sevens coach Ben Ryan and London Irish scouts at Portsmouth Grammar School (PGS).

Tries from Richard Lakin, Miles Mantella, and JJ Kilmartin (2) raced them into a 24-0 lead in the final. Colstons responded after the break but when Kilmartin completed his hat-trick, victory for Milfield was inevitable.

Millfield had earlier won a grudge semi-final against an always impressive Wellington College. With the elusive Mantella again pulling the strings,  Miffy raced into a decent lead. Wellington responded well but with danger strike runner Sam Edgerley thwarted, the Berkshire school could not overcome their rivals losing out 26-12.

In the other last four clash a disciplined and ruthless Colstons overpowered Bryanston 21-17 to book their final spot.

Tight group stages

The obvious Group of Death at the beginning of day was Pool C where Wellington battled past Coleg SG, Filton, and Ivybridge to qualify for the Cup. 

To show the strength of the Group of Death the 2nd, 3rd and 4th placed teams went on to win the Shield (Filton) Plate (Ivybridge) and Bowl (Coleg SG) competitions respectively with dominant victories in their finals.

The home crowd were treated to epic clash between PGS and Hartbury in Pool D with the hosts edging a thriller 31-30. Freddy Bennett impressed for PGS showing speed and a strong outside arc to catapult his side into second place and into the Plate. Wimbledon, where Ben Ryan formerly coached, pushed Pool D winners Millfield hard and can count themselves unlucky.

Colstons were another side to be tested in the qualifying rounds, especially made to work by Canford School in Pool C. Canford held the line well playing an old school brand of Sevens but went down 22-10 to a more physical outfit.

Bryanston controlled Group A, with centre James Sherbourne impressing beating Oundle (48-0), Abingdon (46-10), and Bristol Grammar (29-5). 

Millfield's Miles Mantella was voted the tournament's MVP.

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