Roos Chill Rite Rugby 7s

THE sponsors are mighty cool; the temperature at Apex Oval was decidedly not last Saturday when the second annual 7s tournament kicked off.

The Sydney Nadi team took home the big prizemoney after an emphatic win against the Campbelltown Harlequins.

The teams featured many rugby-loving and skilful players from New Zealand and the Pacific Islands who live in Australia and use Sevens tournaments as their pre-season “training”.

Local teams from Geurie Goats, Dubbo Rhinos and the Roos pitted themselves against visiting teams Newcastle Griffens, Duavatz, Brothers of Pacific and the Charging Lamas.

The Lamas were a combination of mates of the late Jake Walton who died in an accident at the Macquarie River recently. Many of his Roos’ Colts teammates travelled home to remember their captain and to spend time with his parents Dean and Annette.

Jake would have turned 21 last Wednesday so the sight of his rugby mates competing and then taking out the Plate was a very emotional experience for everyone at Apex Oval.

The Dubbo Roos thank Chillrite Refrigeration, Midwest Foods Market and Precision Health Care Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation for their sponsorship and all members who volunteered to make this a successful “red hot” event! Mirage! It might look like water but it’s grass spraying up as Rhino Shane Riley lays the ball back. . Don’t argue! Simon Murphy (Roos) shrugs off a tackler. Teammate D.J. O’shea looks impressed. Ted Ebsworth on the move

Rueben Williams (Roos, headband) forces a mistake with his gallant kick chase Shane Riley pops it up one handed to keep the ball alive, despite this copybook tackle from James Gilmour.

Speed, strength and a brilliant passing game were all on show when the Pacific Islanders came to Apex Oval last Saturday.

One hand is all that’s needed in Sevens!

Defying gravity! “Look mum, no arms, no feet!”