Bermuda 7s Select Play In Guinness ‘Plate Final’
Bermuda’s 7s Select team recently enjoyed a successful outing at the Bournemouth 7s festival, with the island team making it to the Guinness ‘Plate Final.’
The Bermuda 7s Select Squad includes Dan Cole [Captain], Henry Paddison, Dylan O’Kelly Lynch, Simeon Edwards, Liam Wyatt, Joe Tomalin-Reeves, Liam Bird, Jack Parson, Chris Dennehy, Gareth Cripps-Jones, and Jonathan Tomalin-Reeves.
A spokesperson said, “Bermuda 7s Select had a successful weekend at Europe’s Largest Sporting festival, the Bournemouth 7s last weekend. It ended up seeing the Bermuda invitational team make it to the Guinness ‘Plate Final’.
“Unfortunately Bermuda lost in the final but the players involved will take a lot from the competition going forward into the upcoming 2015 7s season.
“Despite a few last minute withdrawals from the squad due to injury the 11 players who most only met for the first time on the Saturday [May 23] morning put in a good weekends work coming 3rd in the group before progressing into the Plate Semi Final on the Sunday [May 24].
“Bermuda opening game came against Los Blanco’s an 7s team put together by England international Olly Barkley. Bermuda put immense pressure their opponents in the first half and after the first 7 minutes it was 7-7, Bermuda’s try coming from Joe Tomalin-Reeves with Jack Parsons converting.
“In the second half Bermuda played with more width and got the ball out wide to speedster Chris Dennehy who crossed for a try out wide before Los Blancos came back with a converted try leaving the score 12-14 to Blancos with seconds to go.
“Bermuda received the kick off and keep hold of the ball eventually once again getting the ball wide for Chris Dennehy to score in the corner with time up on the clock. Game ended 17-12 Bermuda.
“In the second group game Bermuda took on local favorites ‘Dorset Dockers’ who were made up of players from Dorset Rugby club who over the past few years had been climbing up the English leagues. Bermuda started strong but left too many gaps in defense and forced their own ball when in possession resulting in a number of turnovers and in 7s turnovers turn into try’s.
“In a game that Bermuda could of definitely held their own after a weak first half a comeback was always going to be difficult. Final score 40-7 to Dorset. Bermuda’s only try coming in the last minute with a never say die attitude resulting in a 60m team try involving all 7 players on the pitch who were all offloading superbly before Liam Wyatt finished with Jack Parson converting.
“The final game of the day was against an experienced 7s touring team ‘Smashy Bears’ who in previous years had been competing the main National Cup competition. Despite the obvious difference in size and 7s experience Bermuda held their own against the Bears scoring two early trys from Liam Wyatt and Jack Parsons who also converted his own try before the opposition came back with a try of their own before half time leaving it 12-7 at the half to Bermuda.
“Showing their quality and caliber Smashy Bears fielding a totally new 7 in the second half and with their fresh legs went through the gears to outscore Bermuda 15-0 to finish the game 22-12. Young Bermudian players though such as Liam Bird and Simeon Edwards had stepped up and were getting more confidence after each game adding to the depth of the 7s Select squad.
“As a result of their win and points difference Bermuda progressed to the Guinness Plate semifinal on the Sunday and faced another experienced 7s circuit team London Lemurs. The London based team was made of a number of Division 1 London based players who play week in week out at a good standard.
“Despite this gulf in assumed ability, Bermuda played out of their skin and totally dominated the Lemurs scoring 5 try’s and 4 conversions whilst only conceding 12 points in the first half. Bermuda’s try’s came from Joe Tomalin-Reeves, Chris Dennehy, Dan Cole and Henry Paddison x2 with Jack Parson and Dan Cole adding conversions.
“Team Captain Dan Cole who had helped organise with Bermuda 7s Select stated ‘it was one of the best 7s performances he has been involved in with try’s being scored from all over the pitch, including winning and scoring from their own kick offs, line outs and great support play along with timely offloads leaving the opposition stunned’. Final score 33-12 to Bermuda.
“Bermuda 7s had made it to the plate final against ‘Y Baabarriaid’ a Welsh based team from the South Wales Valleys. After a few hours waiting around for their final game Bermuda were keen to end the tournament on a high and get some silverware.
“Unfortunately Bermuda faced a strong and aggressive Welsh side who totally dominated certain aspects of the game including the breakdown and tackle area. With referring decisions going against them and a determined opposition Bermuda’s successes of playing a free spirited, offloading game was totally destroyed by the opposition.
“The final disappointingly ended 19-0 to ‘Y Baabarriaid’.
“Despite the disappointing end Bermuda, had punched well above their weight and competed well in the 2nd tier of a 9 tier tournament having only got together on the day of the competition.
“Leading into the 7s season and upcoming NACRA Olympic Qualifiers in June and Serevi Rugby town 7s August this was good preparation and exposer to all involved. Bermuda Rugby would again like to thank ‘Seren Polska’ for the sponsorship of Bermuda 7s Select for the Bournemouth 7s as well as Viper10 who invited Bermuda.”
Considering the limited pool of players, the short time to prepare and the semi professional level of competition this result was fantastic. Very proud of the lads! Great ambassadors for the sport and Bermuda!