Bulls sevens team takes tournament third

The CMK Taranaki Bulls sevens team has finished third at the TECT National Sevens tournament played in Tauranga this weekend.

The tournament brings down the curtain for the 2019 rugby season.

Taranaki progressed into the semifinal; however, on a hot, long weekend, they lost 12-5 to Auckland, who were beaten by Waikato in the final.

In the semifinal, Taranaki scored first thanks to the speed of co-captain Liam Blyde, who was impressive all weekend showing his speed.

Auckland bounced back immediately and took the lead 7-5 at the break. That Auckland momentum continued as they stretched the score out to 12-5.

Earlier in the tournament, Taranaki lost their opening match to North Harbour 17-12, but, despite the loss, the Bulls finished top of their pool after beating Manawatu¯ 40-14 and Bay of Plenty 22-12 yesterday.

The positive pool play progressed the Bulls into the quarterfinals on Sunday morning and showed some promise beating Southland 17-7 before losing to Auckland in the afternoon.

Along with Blyde, Jayson Potroz and Paul Perez were impressive throughout the weekend.

The Port Taranaki Whio were placed into the Bowl division after losing their three pool matches. First, they were beaten by defending champions Manawatu¯ 29-0, then Hawkes Bay

28-19 and thumped 59-0 by Counties Manukau.

The Whio beat Hawke’s Bay

26-22 in the Bowl semi-final to progress into the lower division final. The Whio lost the final against Tasman, finishing tenth.