Sun out for the sevens at EGRFC
East Grinstead Rugby Club hosted the Blue Cube Security 64th Sunshine Sevens in glorious sunshine at Saint Hill.
It was great to see the Sevens back and a full complement of teams in each of the tournaments with over fifteen hundred people attending the event.
With nine Elite sides, eight in the Men’s Open Tournament and eight in the Women’s, it was a full schedule for all three pitches – totalling sixty-two games!
The Elite Tournament - with last year’s winners Apache Raiders back to defend their title, there was stiff opposition to contend with two strong Samurai sides, but it was Ramblin Jesters who looked to be the team in form.
The semi-final saw Jesters beat Apache Braves 45-19 with Apache Raiders edging Samurai Pink 36-26. In the final the Raiders got off to a flying start scoring 21 points and were just to strong winning 26-7 to take the Lady Astor of Hever Trophy.
Apache Raiders also supplied the Penny Farthing Player of the Tournament, Lewis Dennelly, who was outstanding all afternoon and takes a watch for his efforts.
In the Elite Plate a new side 365 Ratana got stronger each game but lost in the final to Fiji Marauders 26-7.
In the Men’s Open Tournament it was great to see so many local sides entering this competition which was very competitive.
The semi-final saw East Grinstead beat a strong Eastbourne side 38-21 and Leggat Legends beat Purley John Fisher 31-12. A highly competitive final saw East Grinstead win 15-10 to add further silverware to their outstanding season. The Open Plate, Crawley Chaos beat Pain Train 42-26.
In the Women’s Open Tournament a full complement of sides had a great afternoon. Wooden Spoon beat a spirited Pulborough side in the final 33-7. In the Women’s Plate East Grinstead KT beat East Grinstead VS 35-10.