Olympic heartbreak for Desford’s Scarratt

Team GB finish fourth in the Rugby Sevens

IT WAS heartbreak for Desford’s Emily Scarratt as Team GB lost 33-10 to a resurgent Canada in the bronze medal match in the Rugby Sevens competition.

Scarratt captained the team to the third place play-off after victories against Brazil, Japan and Canada in the group stage, where they scored 110 points in the process.

A convincing 26-7 victory over Fiji in the quarter-final set up a clash with New Zealand, where they were defeated 25-7.

They came up against a relentless Canada in the bronze medal match, whose rush defence put Team GB on the back foot for most of the first half.

The damage was done by halftime, with Team GB 26-5 down.

There was a brief renaissance when Jasmine Joyce scored, but a second try for Ghislaine Landry ended all hopes of a comeback and the game finished 31-10.

After the match Scarratt said: “We came into this tournament wanting to win a medal and unfortunately we have come up a little bit short.

“The girls gave it everything but sometimes it is just not enough and it wasn’t tonight.

“They were the better side in that game. They executed better than we did and that is why they will have the medal around their necks.

“Sevens is a brutal game. You have to perform for 20 minutes and you can win it or lose it in a couple of minutes.

“Canada kept the ball well and recycled it superbly and that is why they got the win.

“We are just sorry we couldn’t bring home a medal.”

Despite the result, Team GB more than played their part in the sport’s debut competition, particularly with their performances in the group stage. It is hoped the exposure the sport gains from the Olympics will help spread it around the world.

Scarratt added: “It is disappointment at the moment but this has been a phenomenal experience and bringing rugby to the Olympic stage is amazing.

“If we have inspired a couple of people back home then we are doing a decent job.”

The tournament was eventually won by Australia after a thrilling 24-17 final against New Zealand.

Great Britain’s Emily Scarratt (centre) palms-off Canada’s Kayla Moleschi during the rugby sevens bronze medal match at the Deodoro Stadium on the third day of the Rio Olympic Games, Brazil. Picture: David Davies/PA Wire