Ledbury Sevens 2008 Report

Ledbury Rugby Club had two of the best mens sevens teams in the country for their final, competing for the £5,000 main prize.

Memories of the rain and cold in 2007 were expunged from the memory completely as Ledbury Rugby Club hosted their third annual Sevens in the most wonderful conditions. With three separate competitions the Seniors, Ladies and Under 16’s there was non stop action from 11.00 until 6 pm on three pitches.

The favourites for the main competition were always the Army and Samurai, and having won the London  Floodlit Sevens earlier in the week, the Army were very much in form. Likewise Maurauders who had chalked up a tournament win recently.

The host side Ledbury were in a difficult group, playing finalists Samurai in their opening game. Despite gallant tackling, the only score they were able to register was a try from Jack Wilesmith in their 45-5 defeat.

Last years winners Wanderers crashed out of the main competition when they lost 12-29 to Maurauders, whilst the Army smashed Bromsgrove 42-0 and Oxford University 33-14.Ledbury faced Apache in their second game, and were level at half time through a great try from James Handley, but superior fitness and experience saw Apache pull ahead to win 28-7.

In the Ladies competition, Worcester with their array of international players swept Welsh Dragons aside to win the final 33-14.

In the Under 16’s the Bridgend  were too much for Bath in their final, winning 31-0.

The final of the mens tournament was scintillating – both the Army and Samurai were determined not to concede any points, but Samurai struck first, the Army keeping in touch with arty of their own before half time. In the second half, the Army broke clear with three further tries and at one stage are 24-7 ahead, but as the clock wound down, Samurai clawed their way back to 24-21,  with the Army were very relieved to hear the final whistle.

The prizes were presented by Terry Cobner of Pontypool, Wales and the British Lions, and player of the tournament Howard Graham, captain of the victorious Army team was presented with a bottle of champagne by Brigadier Rolph James.

Ledbury RFC 7`s Groups

Ladies Results

Ledbury RFC Under 16`s Seven a side Tournament