The largest rugby sevens tournament in New South Wales has celebrated its 48th anniversary, with more than 40 teams competing in the Morgans Kiama Sevens on Saturday.
Stunning conditions greeted competitors for the last day of summer as 32 mens teams and 12 womens converged on the Kiama Showground for a showcase of rugby.
Tournament Director Mark Bryant said it was good to once again see so many teams taking part in the tournament with plenty of team pride on display.
“Saturday was a great day of rugby and it was fantastic to see everyone enjoying playing our great game,” Bryant said.
“With 44 teams taking part across six separate competitions, the day was full of action both on and off the field,” he said.
But Bryant, along with the many teams and spectators, agreed that it wasn’t hard to decide on what the highlight of the day was.
19-year-old Sam Taylor has Downs Syndrome and joined his Grenfell club mates for an exhibition at the conclusion of one of their round matches, even scoring a try from 70 metres.
“Sam’s family live on a property in Caragabal and up until five weeks ago they hadn’t had rain in almost three years,” Bryant said.
“Sam and his family have been doing it pretty tough so it was great to see him join his Grenfell club mates on the field, and when he scored it was the biggest cheer from the crowd all day,” he said.
“He loves rugby so to see him out on the field on Saturday was a pretty special moment.”
A total prize pool of $38,000 was on offer, with the winners and runners up in each competition claiming a share for their club.
Warringah defeated West Harbour 17-14 to be crowned Kiama Sevens champions in the Cleary Bros Cup Final, while Southern Districts defeated Warringah 43-0 to claim the Sebel Harbourside Kiama Vase in the women’s final.
The 49th Annual Kiama Sevens tournament will be held at the Kiama Showground on Saturday 27th February 2021.
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Results
Cleary Bros Cup Final
Warringah 17 defeated West Harbour 14
Dr Astin Lee of the Cardiac Centre Plate Final
Gungahlin 26 defeated Manly 5
Elastoplast Bowl Final
Shoalhaven 24 defeated Lakes 17
Sebel Harbourside Kiama Vase - Women’s Final
Southern Districts 43 defeated Warringah 0
Canterbury Country Cup
Goulburn 17 defeated Kiama 10
Carter Ferguson Womens Country Cup
Jindabyne 20 defeated Goulburn 7
