Petersfield Seven’s Tournaments for Forwards – 3rd April 2005

Given that the squad had never played a seven’s tournament, the team did Farnham proud despite the results.  Our inexperience showed in the first game, but we as the subsequent scores showed, we were quick to learn.  However, in keeping with the rest of the season’s performances, we let a couple of matches go that were all but won.  Playing our games on the broad acres of Petersfield’s main pitch introduced the boys to the concept of space and I am sure they felt well exercised by the end of the tournament! Nevertheless they played very good rugby to the end in a well run, fairly played competition on a dry, sunny day with a light, cooling breeze that was perfect for sevens. 

The squad (with highlights observed from the touch judge) included: James Morris’ solo try from the kick off where he managed to “dummy” the entire defence who were looking for the off load that never happened; Sam Jones rucking like a demon; Craig Macey making high-speed yards; Tom O’Connell’s “show and go”; Ed Weeks collecting the ball from the kick off on our try line, dummying the chaser and running the ball out to the 22;  Jonathan Stevenson’ cover tackle;  Jack Finneran’s accurate throw in; Ollie Todd’s attempt at a drop goal and subsequent coaching advice from Farnham minis;  Hector Hoyte-Bone (capt) and Dan Kirkbride combining for two great tries in the final game that put us 14-0 up against the ultimate tournament winners.

A special thanks from the squad to JR for turning out at short notice to referee.

Match results:
Chichester 31 – Farnham 0
Farnham 15 – Ellingham and Ringwood 12
Petersfield 5 – Farnham 0
Farnham 12 – Trojans 19
Havant 26 – Farnham 14

Tournament Results
Havant – 10
Chichester – 6
Petersfield – 6
Trojans – 6
Farnham – 2
Ellingham and Ringwood – 0