Army Sevens 2011 – Marchwood Dolphins Sail On

17 Port & Maritime Regiment sailed away with the Army 7s title on 25 May. The finals drew some sixteen men’s Regimental teams and six women’s Corps squads from across the Army to an Aldershot bathed in brilliant sunshine.

Malakai Magnus receives Player of the Tournament from Chairman ARU

This was a true rugby fest that demonstrated above all that despite the ‘ops’ pressures Army rugby was open for business.

The early rounds produced a few shock results with newcomers the Defence Transport School and 11 Training Battalion REME unseating former champions. By the semi finals the ARU seedings had been vindicated.

They take their 7s seriously in Marchwood, Southampton waters, and for the final the Dolphins (aka 17 P&M) produced a polished display –despite the non-availability of some Army players who were sandwiched between the Edinburgh and Bournemouth Sevens.

Katie Garside—Arty and crafty

Skippered by Petero Rokomadu the Dolphins played attractive rugby with a marked degree of composure. In the face of a strong 2 Royal Welsh team that favoured the ‘first-time, no second chance’ tackling, they had been together long enough to know patience was a vital 7s virtue and gaps would appear.

Eliki Vakalalabure marshalled his men throughout the day but it was the speed and guile of Army cap Malakai Magnus that attracted two-on-one marking The Dolphins won 19pts—12 and ‘Maggie’, who had scored frequently, deservedly received the Player of the Tournament trophy

The Women’s final drew a fair crowd and lots of noise. The Gunners banged home a distinct advantage in all round speed and fitness to beat the Army Medics 19 pts—12. Maz Claassens shone for the Medics, she ran powerfully and the Gunners had only a muted response to her shift up through the gears. However, the Artillery controlled possession skilfully with Army fullback Katie Garside in ebullient form. Claassens was awarded ‘Damsel of the Day’ trophy.

Malakai Magnus at his elusive best

The Plate Competition was won by 5 Rifles, from British Army Germany, who beat the novices from the Defence School of Transport 21pts—19 in a pulsating final

After the presentation of prizes by Chairman Major General Lamont Kirkland the Army 7s Coach Alfred Vakacakavaua had a pic’n mix selection meeting for the forthcoming season when the Army will be running two squads.

The Reds and ‘Chieftains’ development team will enter a number of events throughout the Sevens Summer and both squads will be at Bournemouth for the weekend 28/29 May.

One to note for the diary is the Middlesex 7s at Twickenham on Sat 9 July.

For a full fixture list visit the ARU Fixtures page here.

Women’s final—Maz Claassens AMS at speed

Marchwood Dolphins celebrate victory