SEVEN-A-SIDE, NOWHERE-TO-HIDE
By Gary Nichols
RUGBY UNION: Round Two of the inaugural North Coast Sevens Series once again saw spectators on the edge of their seats as they were caught up in the frenetic atmosphere of non-stop and fast-paced sevens rugby.
Eight senior Men’s and six Women’s sides converged at the Coffs Harbour International Stadium on Saturday hoping to accumulate points in the three-round competition.
Action from round two of the North Coast Sevens Series at Coffs International Stadium on Saturday, 20th November, 2021. Photo: Gary Nichols
Men’s final – Kempsey takes honours over SCU
After gaining maximum points in the opening round of the Mens competition held in Grafton, SCU Marlins, led by former representative player AJ Gilbert, again featured in the men’s final against a flamboyant Kempsey Cannonballs side.
The Cannonballs’ unpredictable style of play saw them take the honours to set up a mouth-watering return match-up in the final round in two weeks’ time.
Photo: Gary Nichols
Women’s Final – Casuarina ambushed by Wauchope
After a dominant display in round one, Casuarina’s star-studded women’s side were expected to keep their unbeaten record intact but were ambushed by a Wauchope Thunder side in the Women’s final.
Photo: Gary Nichols
Redmen regroup
Both Grafton men’s and women’s sides fought hard but in the final wash-up lacked the speed and fitness of their more-fancied opponents.
Photo: Gary Nichols
New lease on life for rugby
Mid North Coast Rugby Development officer and organiser of the event, Joey De Dassel, said the series was so far a huge success and added he had received plenty of positive feedback from participating clubs within the Far North Coast and Mid North Coast zones.
“After a couple of disrupted years due to Covid, it was terrific to see teams from the North Coast get behind the concept,” De Dassel said.
“It was fairly easy to organise and great to see rugby being played again. The first two rounds have been fantastic and with one round to go it promises to be an exciting finish.
“Marlins and Kempsey look like being the favourites in the mens while in the womens Casuarina and Wauchope appear to be standouts.”
The final round will be held in Yamba on Saturday, December 4.
