Future stars shine to win sevens title

2:49pm Tuesday 5th August 2008

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A TEAM featuring some of the future stars of English rugby emerged victorious at Basingstoke RFC's International Diamond 7s tournament.

Samurai International were comfortably the best side at the event at Down Grange on Saturday, winning every game they played and beating Marchwood Sharks 29-5 in the final to collect the £6,000 first prize.

They were led by England Sevens head coach Ben Ryan and included several young players on the fringes of the full England Sevens team.

Charlie Simpson-Daniel, the younger brother of full England international James Simpson-Daniel, was among those in action at Down Grange, playing alongside fellow Gloucester winger Dan Norton and Tony Roques, who has played more than 35 tournaments for England Sevens.

Speaking after the tournament, which is one of several events being held to mark 'Stoke's Diamond Jubilee, Ryan said he was impressed by the way the day had been organised and was pleased with the way his side performed.

"We have had a really enjoyable day and it has been very worthwhile for us as we got the chance to look at some young players hoping to move up to the senior team," he said. "The tournament provided a great chance for them to show their talent.

"They have great facilities here and we would definitely come back to defend our title next year."

A total of 12 teams were due to line up for the event but three withdrew, resulting in some reorganisation. The nine sides were split into two pools, with the top two in each progressing to the semi-finals.

Samurai comfortably won Pool One, claiming victory in all four of their games, with Marchwood coming second, winning two and losing two. This was the same record as Bracknell and the Navy Sharks, but Marchwood progressed as they picked up more bonus points.

Pool Two contained four teams and was won by Mauraders, who triumphed in all three of their games. Welsh outfit Ronin Impact claimed second place, winning two and losing one.

The first semi-final saw Marauders face Marchwood, a side made up of Fijian servicemen based near Southampton. The Fijians were quicker out of the blocks, opening up a 14-0 lead at half-time before going on to win 33-5, with former Basingstoke winger Karl Buttle scoring the Marauders try.

Samurai and Ronin Impact faced each other in the second semi - Samurai winning 28-7 to set up a final against Marchwood.

The first half of the final was a tight affair. Norton opened the scoring for Samurai but Marchwood soon replied to level at 5-5. A flowing passing move, which was finished in the corner, allowed Samurai to take a 10-5 lead into half-time.

Samurai surged ahead in the second half, scoring another three tries, two of which were converted to make the final score 29-5. While the winners picked up the main cash prize, the runners-up received £3,000.

Marauders claimed third spot and £1,000 with a comfortable 38-0 win over Ronin Impact in the third place play-off.

Dr Steve Tristram, chairman of Basingstoke RFC, said plans are afoot to make the tournament an annual event.

"The response we have had from the sponsors, people watching and teams has been good and we would like to do this again," he said. "It's been very good and I have enjoyed it. Not many sevens tournaments get the quality we have had today."

The event was organised by Jim Dixon, Basingstoke's former director of rugby. He said it was a great way to end his time at the club and was pleased with the way the day went.

"It's been a really nice day," he said. "There are a lot of people here from the club and all around town. It's great to see everyone enjoying themselves and is a good way for me to sign off personally.

"We've had great feedback from all of the teams and they all really want to see the competition continue. We hope that this will become a regular part of the UK sevens circuit."