NEWS
more »UR7s National Schools All-Star VII - Festival
We at UR7s always have one eye on the next breed of potential superstars. The National Schools Sevens tournament in the UK has seen great names grace its fields over the years and last week’s tournament again saw exciting talent.
UR7s has taken the opportunity to select our All-Stars team for both the Festival (one term rugby) and Open (two term rugby). First up it’s the boys from the Festival…
1. Guy Armitage - Wellington College
Brother of England internationals Delon and Steffon, Guy also looks the real deal. Genuine strength and power throughout the tournament. His ability to disrupt opponents ball at the breakdown and create turnover ball was key in Wellington College's run to the final. Could easily be mistaken for Delon in open space, possessing an effortless running style that sees him glide around opponents at real speed.
2. Richard Verrall - Sevenoaks
A lynchpin for Sevenoaks upfront. He guaranteed quality, fast, go forward ball for his speed men out wide. Verrall showed he has fine core skills with some great handling to match his power seen throughout the two days.
3. Max Wilson - Tonbridge
Wilson was involved in most of Tonbridge's best play throughout their championship run. Tirelessly playing almost every minute of the tournament proved his preparation for the tournament had been spot on. Despite playing upfront shows deceptive speed and uses his long legs to stay upright to off-load to team mates. As-well as creating showed finishing ability too.
4. Henry Johnstone - Tonbridge
The victorious captain led from the front across the 2 days. Always appeared to have an extra second on the ball and so comfortable with ball in hand. Possessing an exceptional sidestep, Johnstone took the right options on when to give the ball on to his team mates, his unselfish nature on the ball was mirrored by his ability as the Tonbridge captain. Enthusiasm was infectious throughout the two days which his players fed off.
5. Will Burton – Christ College, Brecon
As his side went unbeaten on the opening day, Burton’s control of the game from fly-half was what a number of the possible contenders for thsi sport were missing. Always making the right decision when on the ball and marshalling his defense with vigour. Deserved more than a heavy defeat to Wellington in the last-16.
6. Charlie Walker - Oakham
Walker's tackle count was huge. His decision on whether to blitz or push in defense was key to Oakham swarming their opponents in the early stages. Matching his skills on the back foot where that of his ability going forwards. Walker stepped his midfield opponents on a regular basis and then his foot speed over 40m was something to behold in the slow conditions of National Schools. Noticeable from the sideline was that of his communication from the sweeper position. Always talking on both sides of the ball, he made the Oakham team, arguably the number two side in the tournament tick.
7. Tayo Adesanyo - Reading Oratory
Every team needs a speed merchant and Tayo has out right 'gas'. He matched his physical ability with real intelligence on the ball making the right decision to kick when the sweeper was out of position. His ability to score tries on the outside consistently is what placed above his peers.
Replacements:
8. Sam Edgerley - Wellington College
Unlucky to miss out on a starting position. With conversions meaning so much in close games, Edgerly and Wellington had the edge as was shown in the semi-final with an incredible pressure kick. His exposure to high level rugby was obvious with experience helping him make the right decision to get the Wellington side moving forwards.
9. Matthew Lovett - Monmouth
It was a close call between Adesanyo and Lovett. The Monmouth outside man showed great footwork to beat the defender before turning out the after burners. A great tournament with a number of scores but Adesanyo speed beats him out of the starting line-up
10. James McWilliam-Gray - Reading Oratory
Skills and athleticism that matched some of the backs. The Reading forward has both deft skill and power in his game. Akin to Armitage, his turnover count was extraordinary and set-up the Oratory for counter attack ball which saw them comfortably qualify for day 2.
Unlucky to miss-out:
Damilola Segun - Tonbridge
Patrick Liddicote – Tonbridge
Charlie Gordon – Wellington
Richard Turner – Reading Oratory
Saeed Agboke –Denstone College
Coach of the Tournament - James Johnson, Tonbridge
As has been mentioned on more than one occasion this season, Tonbridge Sevens face a number of challenges with regards to training time, facilities and equipment. Johnson has managed to get round these obstacles and produce a side of real class. The Kent school were well conditioned, exceptionally drilled and worked hard for one another. At this level its often a sign of a side who is not only well coached but respected by his pupils. A great result for the Kent school and given their success in the younger years, Johnson should be challenging for years to come.
Player of the Tournament - Max Wilson - Tonbridge
Key to the success of the victorious school. Not involved in the glory of scoring the tries as much as his wide men and not given the credit of his scrum-half, but all things good for Tonbridge started with Wilson. He gave them the platform to build from in all facets of the game; turnover ball, quick ball and set-piece whilst also having the ability to both off load and exploit space. Received his dues at the end lifting the trophy with his teammates.
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For more action shots from National Schools contact David Whittam on d.whittam@btinternet.com
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