Canada Ends IRB World Series with Bowl Championship, Finish 6TH in World Rankings
What Head Coach Geraint John had to say:
“We were a bit disappointed to not have advanced to the Cup Round yesterday but to come back today and play three close games and win the Bowl is a big result for us. We only lost one game against Samoa all weekend.
The result this weekend and throughout the season is a big compliment to the players and staff and their hard work. Credit to all of the players here today and back home for the dedication they put into training at the Centre of Excellence in Langford.
Sixth in the world is a spectacular result for us and we’re looking forward to next season and the Commonwealth Games this summer in Scotland.”
Canada’s Men’s London Seven
May 10-11 – Day One
Canada 12 – 19 Samoa
Canada 22 – 19 USA
Canada 17 – 17 Kenya
Day Two
Canada 21 – 19 Japan
Canada opened Day Two with a narrow victory over Japan in the Bowl quarterfinal. Japan are new on the series and put up a strong effort against Canada. Captain John Moonlight opened the scoring but Japan answered with a try from Lomano Lemeki. Following an unsuccessful conversion attempt from Katsuyuki Sakai, Canada lead 7-5 at halftime. Phil Mack and John Moonlight each scored in the second half Japan kept it close with a late try from Masaki Watanabe.
Canada 17 – 14 Wales
In order to advance to the Bowl Final, Canada had to defeat Wales in the semi-finals in the second game of the day. Less than two minutes into the first half Sean Duke opened the scoring with his 100th all-time try before Canada added two more tallies from Harry Jones and John Moonlight. With the flurry of tries Canada lead 17-0. Wales would respond before the halftime marker with a try from Geraint Walsh. The second half saw both teams exchange possession and Canada’s defense held strong until the final play of the game when Adam Field scored to bring the game to 17-14 for Canada.
Canada 31 – 19 Argentina
Canada did not disappoint in their final game of the season against Argentina to capture the Bowl title. Sean Duke opened the scoring for Canada after a strong run from John Moonlight. Off the ensuing kickoff Phil Mack scooped up a loose ball and showed great pace to score under the posts. Argentina responded with tries from Nicolas Coronel and Gonzalo Gutierrez to lead 14-12 at halftime.
With an Argentinian player in the sin bin to start the second half, Connor Braid scored for Canada to retake the lead for Canada. Mack sealed the victory for Canada with two more tries in the second half to defeat Argentina 31-19.
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Canada’s Roster for London – (Club, CRC Team) Hometown, Province
Connor Braid – (James Bay AA/BC Bears) Victoria, BC
Justin Douglas – (Abbotsford RFC) Abbotsford, BC
Sean Duke – (UVic Vikes/BC Bears) Vancouver, BC
Mike Fuailefau – (Castaway Wanderers) Victoria, BC
Harry Jones – (Capilano RFC/BC Bears) North Vancouver, BC
Pat Kay – (Uvic Vikes/BC Bears) Duncan, BC
Adam Kleeberger – (Castaway Wanderers RFC/BC Bears) White Rock, BC
Phil Mack – (James Bay AA/BC Bears) Victoria, BC
Duncan Maguire – (St. Albert Rugby Club/Prairie Wolf Pack) St. Albert, AB
John Moonlight (captain) – (James Bay AA/Ontario Blues) Pickering, ON
Conor Trainor – (UBCOB Ravens/BC Bears) Vancouver, BC
Sean White – (James Bay AA/BC Bears) Victoria, BC
Senior Men’s Team Staff:
Geraint John – Head Coach
Kieran Crowley – Assistant Coach
Danielle Mah – Physiotherapist
Calum Ramsay – Performance Analyst
Lorna Barry – Strength and Conditioning Coach
Brian Hunter – Manager
Canada’s Men’s Sevens Program is proudly sponsored by Sport Canada and Own the Podium.
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