Laced with World Sevens Series regulars, the Aussie Thunderbolts and Aussie Pearls ran out winners at the UON Central Coast Sevens held over the weekend in Kawal, New South Wales, Australia.
The two home sides capped off the two day tournament in great style winning both in the Men’s and Women’s Competition. The Aussie Thunderbolts, under the leadership of interim coach Tim Walsh, defeated Tabadamu of Fiji in the final 31-21 to win the UON Men’s seven’s title, while their counterparts the Aussie Pearls won the KINESIO Women’s title defeating a New Zealand Development side 31-14.
It was the perfect preparation before next month’s Oceania Olympic Qualifier in Auckland, after a undefeated first day The Thunderbolts rounded off their warm up to that crucial tournament in style, with a vigorous and determination as they defeated Yamacia 12-7 in the quater finals, before seeing off the Scott Waldrom coached Wellington side from New Zealand in the semifinals. That side had earlier outplayed the World Club Champions, and defending tournament winners Daveta from Fiji in the quarter finals 33-7 en route to the final.
While Tabadamu went into the final after overcoming an All Star New Zealand Development Side which had the services of DJ Forbes, Tim Mikkelson, Luke Masirewa, captained by Scott Curry, were defeated 7-5 in the second semifinal. 18 year old rookie Henry Hutchison led the charge for the Thunderbolts with a ‘Man of the Match’ performance and was well supported by Tom Cusack who led the forwards well. The Australian side raced away with a 24-7 lead at halftime, and even two late tries from Tabadamu wasn’t enough for a late comeback and they do not take the Cup back to Fiji, losing 31-21 to the home side.
In the Men’s Plate Final, Yamacia (Fiji) walloped the Hong Kong National side 47-12. The Hong Kong side were using this tournament too as their final warm up to the Asian Olympic Qualifier, so the tournament was used by many teams as a step towards the major qualifying event to be held in Auckland (14-15 November, 2016)
”The win was a testament to the boys character” said Tom Cusack post-match. “This tournament is the toughest on the domestic circuit and it was a privilege to come out and play with these boys and win”
“We all knew the bigger picture ahead [that picture is Rio 2016 qualification] I really think this is the beginning for us but we’re fully aware we have a lot of work ahead of us.” Cusack explained speaking to UR7’s website.
Interim Head coach Tim Walsh said “To have this level of competition on our own doorstep is invaluable. It is a world-class competition and exactly what we need leading into the 2016 Olympic Oceania Tournament next month. Our preparations are going to plan and we’re in a good spot.”
In the KINESIO Women’s competition, the Aussie Pearls were a cut above the rest. With a side boasting 116 World Sevens series caps between them, it was inevitable that they were firm favorites. After finishing Day 1 undefeated, the Pearls started their day beating Greater Sydney Rams 36-0 in the quarter finals before they took on the defending champions, the Canadian Maple Leafs. Led by Jen Kish, they were taken to task with a gallant victory 31-7 in the semis which showed the Pearls’ precision and class.
In the final, a hat-trick from Emma Tonegato gave the Pearls a 24-0 lead at the breather, which was enough to hold back the talented New Zealand Development side that had the services of Kelly Brazier, Sarah Goss and returnee Huriana Manuel. The Kiwi’s launched a fightback in the second half but were not able to match the Aussie side with Emilee Cherry scoring the winner for a 31-14 victory.
Women’s Head coach Tim Walsh said: “In last year’s final here I felt that Canada showed up some real flaws in our game but in the semi-final against the Canadians this year I thought it was the best seven minutes I have seen the girls play. They look smart and they took their opportunities well. We have the start of the World Series in Dubai beginning in six weeks time and we’re in good shape.”
On ‘Player of the Match’ Evania Pelite, Walsh added “She’s someone who comes into training each day and works every day like it is a real match. Vani had a tremendous impact in many aspects of the game.”
In the Plate Finals, the shadow Fiji side with the services of former Aussie Pearl Rebecca Tavo defeated Greater Sydney Rams 41-7. The Fijians, using the tournament as their final warm up to Oceania Qualifier next month, had lost to an Australian Development side earlier in the day 12-7 due to some dubious and inconsistent calls by the referee which really was the weakness of this tournament. Referee standards are something the organizers will need to look deep into, to get the best officials to officiate matches as0 the only familiar face was Aussie World Sevens Series ref Anthony Moyes.
Finals Results: Thunderbolts and Pearls Win Central Coast Sevens
BOOT FINAL – (Women’s) Central Coast Academy 24 Manly Marlins 7
– (Men’s) Australia Development 27 Germany 12
BALL FINAL – (W) Sunnybank 27 Ozboks 5
– (M) Canada 26 Sunnybank 10
PLATE FINAL – (W) Fijiana 41 Greater Sydney Rams 7
– (M) Yamacia 47 Hong Kong 12
CUP FINAL – (W) Aussie Pearls 31 New Zealand Development 14
– (M) Aussie Thunderbolts 31 Tabadamu 21
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Image courtesy of the Australian Sevens Rugby website – click here
