By the end of Day 1, SCC and Bucks 1 had established firmly themselves atop the Men’s Group A by convincingly sweeping away all the other teams. Eventually, a top of the table clash saw SCC claim pole position for prime position in the semi-finals, whereas Bucks had to settle for the winner of Group 2.
Meanwhile, the Combined University team took it upon themselves to topple whatever plans the Saints and Bedok teams had to top Group B. The youthful Combined University team had superior fitness and structure, and these were clearly on show when they dismantled the other teams.
Topping Group B, the Combined University team took on Bucks 1 in the first Cup Semi-final. The Bucks team fell behind quickly after three rapid tries, before trying but failing to mount a late comeback. The Combined University team survived a late scare to secure the first spot in the Cup Finals. The SCC team was quick to follow suite by confidently dispatching the Saints team to task in the second Semi-final.
In the Cup finals, the Combined University team had no answer for the physicality of the SCC team. The wily Bryan Ng led the SCC team from the front; his experience clearly showed as he wreaked havoc on the Combined University’s defence. With the Combined University defensive line in disarray, the SCC team had a field day with many line breaks. A consolation try for Combined University through standout ball-runner Gideon Chan was not enough. Veteran Kevin Loo put the cherry on the cake for SCC, before enforcer Valu Raquel Raturibi-Severson was substituted on to see the game safely to its end. This rounded of Day 2, where SCC beat out many fierce competitors to tie up Leg 1, and will be looking to emulate their emphatic victory in Leg 2 of the competition.
The Women’s series had its fair share of competition with favourites Bedok Kings Wind and Blacks Thunder winning every match with a comfortable margin right from Day 1. Both teams were peppered with ex and current Womens National Players and with the Asia Rugby Womens Sevens Series coming up, every player was eager to make the travelling squad. Both teams finally locked horns at the Cup Finals with Blacks Thunder emerging 10-0 winners!
Lastly, a big shoutout to support the Combine University Team made up of the top college players from the local universities! Coached by Amos Siow, the team had showcased glimpses of their flair and pace at the Club Sevens Series 1. We wish the team the very best as they compete at the ASEAN University Games on 16th July 2016 at NTU Sports Complex!
Photo Credit: David Ash
