ARU Worthing 7s – 30 July 2011

Following the hard work training during the Canadian tour and Alfred’s ABC program, the Reds moved to Worthing to participate in the 2011 competition. The normal routine took place prior to arrival to the ground with prayers and breakfast (even Evo had an adults portion!) Arriving at the ground the tent was up and kit laid out ready for the players to get ready for the first game at 1030 hrs against Tsunami Castaways a talented team that has been around for a number of years.

The warm up wet well and there was a focus in the air, it might had something to do with either Alfred ready to use the ABC program, or Apo (aka Mufasa) making it clear that we were here for business. Even the threat of mild rain didn’t get in the way of the team’s preparation and they were ready for the KO.

With the referee blowing the whistle, it was the start of the tournament and our first game and what a start it was, the only words to describe the start made by the Red’s was simply heard from one of the spectators – ‘clinical’. Set piece won, domination of the opposition in all aspects of the game with a steely determination that even shocked the management, the team meant business. The first half saw the Reds open with a score by Tamatawale running some fine angles to score under the posts, soon followed by Qasevakatini and Yamoyamo to see the Reds 19 – 0 lead at the break. The second half didn’t see a change with patience and a calm manner saw Yamoyamo, Montague and Ratubuli all running in to give a final score of 34 – 5.

The next game of the group was against Ronin who were fielding a mix of development and established squad players who have close links to the Army. However, this didn’t stop the steamrolling efforts of the team who ran in 7 tries to 1 giving a final score of 48 – 5. A special mention should go to Ratubuli who ran in a hat trick of tries showing a great side step and blast of pace he has.

After qualifying for the Quarter Finals the wait to find out our opposition revealed we were to play the Seahawk Islanders who were made up from the various departments within the Navy. This didn’t stop the Red machine marching on scoring 6 converted tries to give a final score of 42 – 5, with again Ratubuli scoring another hat trick.

Then it was onwards to the semi finals where we meet Samurai Barracudas who were hungry for blood, however, the Reds lead by Satala seemed to change gear and take it up another notch to see Qasevakatini getting jealous of Ratubuli getting all the hat tricks to claim one of his own by running some outstanding lines. Going in at the break 19 – 5 the team had a half time brief by the coach only to see Samurai collecting the ball from the restart to score a converted try. However, this didn’t stop the hunger of the whole team who defended well and scored another two tries to give a final score of 31 – 12 at the final whistle.

The Final was against one of the well known names in the game of 7s, the White Hart Marauders with the Reds fielding their change strip in white. It was time to stop talking and get the final started with the referee’s whistle, the Reds came out with all guns blazing. From the start the Reds regained the ball to see some quick hands until gas man Qasevakatini scored within 42 seconds in the left hand corner of the pitch. From the restart the Reds defence stayed calm applying pressure until a defensive kick in the 22m saw Swann catch the ball to roll over and score in the right hand corner.

The lead didn’t stop the commitment by both teams who worked hard to apply pressure until Qasevakatini exploited a gap to run in between the posts to score a converted try followed soon by Burenivalu scoring a fine try before the half time whistle seeing the Reds leading 22 – 7. After a cool chat at the break the team commenced the second half with pace man Qasevakatini running in two tries and a continued onslaught attack from Marauders put the defence under pressure. However, the team held out to see the final whistle winning the competition 34 – 14.

The internal competition as to who scored the most tries went to down to the final game with both Qasevakatini and Ratubuli scoring 7 tries each, the hunger is still there and we hope it will continue next week.

Head Coach Alfred was delighted to see the team turn the tide and the ABC workouts made a difference for two reasons, physically and mentally. All the team played well and put their hearts on the line throughout the day, one man stood out was the master calling the shots behind the scrum was Burenivalu, his calm manner and blistering pace didn’t give the opposition a chance of catching him – well done Bunny.

Finally, thank you for all the support given to the team during the season and from Twitter, it is appreciated so keep it coming. If you do get a chance please do come along to Cwmtawe, Swansea to the team at the final fixture and come and have a chat.

Vinaka Reds and God Bless

You can watch the highlights from the 2011 Worthing 7s here,

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q75uobLTZJQ&feature=channel_video_title

You can also follow all the 7s updates and all news Army Rugby on twitter

@armyrugbyunion