The Army Men’s 7s team reached the semi-finals of the London International Sevens following a series of impressive displays on Saturday.
They opened their Group B endeavours with 31-12 and 34-5 victories against African Lions and Jamaica respectively, a 17-17 draw with USA taking them to the semi-finals.
The run sadly ended there, however, eventual champions Shogun (United Kingdom) proving too strong in a 38-7 defeat.
Army Men are next in action in the second Super Sevens Series event at Newbury on Saturday, June 8, while the Development side and Women head to Richmond this Saturday (June 1) for the Summer Social competition.
In other news from the weekend, LBdr Senitiki Nayalo (RA) was part of the Coventry squad as they beat England Under 20s 54-38 in a cracking friendly at the Butts Park Arena.
The hosts raced into a 35-0 half-time lead as Pat Pellegrini converted tries from Jimmy Martin (two), Jordan Poole, David Opoku and No. 8 Chester Owen.
They moved further in front as Ryan Hutler touched down early in the second half, Theo Mannion with the extras, England responding as George Makepeace-Cubitt converted an Arthur Green try.
A second followed from Angus Hall, but the home side reasserted themselves as Owen doubled his tally.
A sensational Connor Byrne effort was converted by Ben Coen for the U20s, the Exeter man repeating the trick after Malelili Salala’s fine finish.
A penalty try further reduced the deficit to 47-33, but Martin completed his hat-trick with three minutes remaining to put the game to bed, Mannion with the extras before Hall doubled his tally with a late consolation for England.
The game was played as a replacement for Coventry’s original Championship fixture against Jersey.
With Cornish Pirates winning 38-27 at London Scottish, Cov dropped to a third-placed finish.
Words © Richard Ashton
All images – Alligin Photography © Cat Goryn
