07 Aug 10
Barkers Butts Sevens Competition
Old Laurentian’s secure Runners-up spot
OLs entered a team in the Barkers Butts 7s tournament on Saturday and the 12-man squad, with an average age of just 22, made the journey to Coventry for their first ever competition sevens event.
Upon arrival, they found they had been drawn in Pool A and faced Newman All Blacks, Egg Chasing Eagles (both teams mainly from Barkers), Broadstreet and the “B” team from International Sevens Academy, Ronin Warriors respectively.
“I’ll be happy if we win a game” was one of the more optimistic comments heard as the squad warmed up.
The first match was a bit of a learning experience as the side figured out how to play the game of sevens but despite some early nerves, the pure rugby skills of the side meant they ran out 24-12 winners… and heads started to be held up a little.
The second game was more coherent and resulted in an impressive 45-12 victory. With Mark Todd being at the receiving end of an early knee injury, the squad was now effectively down to 11 men and Mark took up the duties of “team manager” for the rest of the afternoon.
It was now going to be a more serious challenge as Broadstreet took to the field. OLs however had found a new level of confidence and seriously impressed with a 31-7 drubbing of their near neighbours, playing some classic, controlled sevens rugby.
And so, the Pool title came down to the two undefeated teams, and OLs had to face the “sevens specialists”. After “inspirational” team talks, OLs were ready ……. in fact, they were more than ready and ran out 24-7 winners and topped the Pool with an undefeated record!
Throughout the tournament, Simon Bayliss showed his speed and finishing qualities and turnover specialists Glenn Todd alongside the ever-reliable Danny Murch starving the opposition of quick (or any) ball. Ben O’Riordan and the Orbinson brothers (James and Andy) showed their strength and experience and it was great to see Dean Graham and Richard Parker causing serious holes in the oppositions’ defences with their darting runs and Ben Wiles always available in support. Perhaps most impressive, were the performances of the OLs two new recruits, Joe Shore and Luke Harris, who fitted in seamlessly and looked like they’d been part of the setup for years. Mark Todd should also be applauded for his efforts in organising the entry and also arranging individual event shirts for each of the team, as well as handling the rotation of players to get the best results out of the squad.
Needless to say, this band of merry men had to face the might of the Ronin Warriors “A” squad in the final and braced themselves for the onslaught. The expected trouncing didn’t happen, as OLs challenged the stars on display, including a number of Kenilworth and former Rugby Lions 1st XV squad. Despite falling behind, it was perhaps fitting that the final move of the game saw great handling and offloading from every member on the pitch, leaving two forwards to finish the move - Ben O’Riordan giving the final offload to skipper Glenn Todd to touch down for a final result of 12-24.
There can be no doubt that the quality side of the tournament won it, but what a great performance by the young OLs squad and a great boost to the pre-season preparation.
Thanks also go to Dr David Shore (Joe’s Dad) for stepping in and patching up a number of injuries.
