Saturday 24 July 2010

The West Country Cavaliers dominated last weekend at the Newquay Surf 7's in the Men's Open competition.  The side, captained by Rhidian McGuire, contained the majority of the side that competed in the National Series at the West Country 7's.

The group stage, 2nd round and quarter final were all a good warm up for what hit us in the semi final.  Playing against the Sappers, the Royal Engineers Army side with a strong Fijian influence, the Cavaliers were forced to be physical, and brutal at the breakdown.  In a close game that was strong on defence, Cavaliers Graham Sage, a scrum half on debut for the side, made the game safe with a last minute score in the corner.

The final on the main pitch in front of the Sky Sports cameras was against the Touraid Castaways, a side that has performed well on the circuit this season.  Their last appearance at the West Country 7's saw them lose to Spain in the Open final.  This game was again a tough one, centred on physicality at the break down in the opening exchanges.  However it wasn't long until the Cavaliers got over the white wash, firstly through Chris Ridgers, and then by another debutant, Brad Field.

The game was one way traffic after this and the Cavaliers ran out convincing winners to take the title and the £1000 prize money.  The squad in full was:

Sam Hocking, Brad Field, Huw Bevan, Sam Brown, Rhidian McGuire (c), Theo Malthouse, Chris Ridgers, Ien Ascroft-Leigh, Richard Bussey, Graham Sage, Matt Luxton.  Coached by John Gould, Chris Eames, Dave Ward.

Next up is the Cotswold 7's on 7th August...