| SpoonAAs showed a great deal of promise in the early stages and along with QJP, they were the early pace setters. Lincoln Elites under the guidance of Stonyhurst College old boy Rick Maudsley also raised the tempo after a sluggish start. After the first round of matches, the two groups of teams were split up into two tiers with the plate competition being contested by Lincoln Elite, Marco Vaghetti's side QJP, Blackburn and Vale of Lune. The final competition was fought out between Preston Grasshoppers, Northumbria Knights, Vodka Red Bulls and Spoon AAs. In the plate contest, Lincoln were too strong for Blackburn in the semi final and came out narrow victors winning 15 - 7. In the other semi final of the plate, QJP took the game to Vale of Lune from the opening phases resulting in a comprehensive 40 - 17 scoreline. In the final competition, Hoppers narrowly beat Spoon AAs in a highly entertaining 24-21 encounter and Northumbria Knights comfortably beat the Vodka Red Bulls 49 - 5. There was divided loyalty prior to the plate final as both Maudsley and Kirk Stokes playing for the Lincoln Elites had attended Stonyhurst College. The game was played in great spirit with QJP having more fuel in the tank running out 48 - 5 winners. The score, however, did not have a true reflection on Lincoln's efforts throughout the afternoon and Vaghetti, was quick to compliment the opposition after the game. "Lincoln played with finesse throughout the tournament and we had to pull out all the stops in order to retain the plate which we won in 2005. I am very pleased with how we performed as a unit despite missing a number of our regulars and we look forward to coming back next year to defend our title."
The Health Rack Lancashire Sevens Final contested between Preston Grasshoppers and Northumbria Knights was a nail biting affair for those involved with the two clubs, but a pure tonic for the neutrals. Hoppers dominated from the outset and showed some tremendous ball skills and ended the campaign on a high note recording a 39 - 0 win. Hoppers' scrum half Darren Wilson was named player of the tournament and he showed his true worth throughout the proceedings scoring a total of eight tries during the afternoon. After being presented with his trophy he commented: "After winning the Lancashire Cup Final and being promoted, the squad were in a positive mood running up to today and we are delighted with this win. We have thoroughly enjoyed the day apart from the rain."
A number of players gave notable performances during the tournament and deserve a mention. These include: Lincoln Elites: Peter Corner, Kirk Stokes, Chris Roberts, QJP: Marco Vaghetti, Carl Cimpoias, Preston Grasshoppers: Darren Wilson, Phillip Meadwell, Vodka Red Bulls: Matt Bressons.
Andy Graham, tournament organiser was delighted with the day as a whole. "We had eleven sides competing in our eighth year of the tournament and everyone has been treated to a very high standard of sevens rugby. Teams have come as far afield as Newcastle with players flying over from the continent in Italy. It has been an excellent tournament and we're already looking forward to 2007."
Report by Rhodri Jeremiah
|
