Scots impress in Sevens and the City’s all GB final
4 Jul 2016
The GB Lions were crowned champions at Sevens and the City after beating the GB Royals 27-14 in an exciting final at Allianz Park yesterday evening. Scotland 7s’ Mark Robertson crossed the whitewash twice in the final, with Gavin Lowe and Lee Jones also scoring for GB Lions, to cap a fine showing from the Scots throughout the day. Both teams won all four of their pool matches and progressed past Samurai and France in the semis to set up a tense and captivating final. With just over two weeks until the squad of 12 is named for the Olympics, it was evident how much was at stake. Head Coach Simon Amor said: “It has been an amazing day with some outstanding individual and team performances. In the last game, with the Lions and the Royals going toe to toe, the competitive edge and the quality of the rugby was of the highest level and I’m absolutely delighted. “Both teams were pushing for the win, you could see how much the outcome meant to them. Individuals clearly wanted to perform well but it was the team win that they desperately wanted and that was clear in the way the Lions celebrated their victory at the end. It was brilliant, it shows how close all the guys have become in a short space of time and that, combined with brilliant individual displays, is what you want as a coach.” GB Sevens play at the Mitsubishi Motors Exeter Sevens next weekend (9-10 July) before travelling to Gdynia, Poland (16-17 July) for the third round of the Rugby Europe Grand Prix Series.”We have also learned a lot more today about how different players operate with each other,” said Amor. “It was also great to see Charlie Hayter and James Rodwell back in the mix and Joseva Nayacavou bringing his x-factor. It gives Gareth and I plenty to think about over the coming days as we focus preparations now on Exeter.”With five games in one day, and a final that kicked off at 9.45pm, Sevens and the City provided a demanding schedule and Amor added: “We saw that those who have played a lot of sevens recently were physically and mentally well prepared for that. For those who are returning to the sevens game it was a brilliant learning curve for them and I was really pleased with how they mentally coped and adapted to the process of having five warm ups, games and warm downs – five lots of switch on and switch off. I’ve been really impressed with the attitude and approach of the full squad today. It sets us up for a fascinating week ahead.”Four Scots’ tries in final…Mark Robertson got the Lions off to the better start in the final with an impressive individual try from broken play in the opening minute, converted by skipper Luke Treharne.The Royals were quick to respond with Dan Bibby kicking and chasing downfield to score. Tom Mitchell provided the additional two points to draw level.With both teams showing plenty of intent in attack, James Rodwell wrestled over from a few metres out before Robertson scored his second of the day taking it to 17-7.Sam Cross edged the Royals closer in the second half when he finished off a Dan Norton break and Mitchell’s conversion took his side to within three points.With two minutes left the Lions pulled further ahead through Lee Jones, who showed good strength to reach over in the corner, before Gavin Lowe finished the job for the Lions touching down with the final play of the game.GB Lions Richard de CarpentierCharlie HayterLee JonesWarwick LahmertGavin LoweRuaridh McConnochieJoseva NayacavouScott RiddellMark RobertsonJames RodwellLuke Treharne ©Marcus WatsonFixtures:GB Lions 10-7 SamuraiGB Lions 46-0 v BarbadosGB Lion 33-0 WalesSemi Final:GB Lions 19-5 FranceTries: de Carpentier, Treharne, WatsonConversions: Treherne (2)Final:GB Lions 27-14 GB RoyalsTries: Robertson (2), Rodwell, Jones, LoweConversion: TreharneGB Royals Cory AllenMark BennettDan BibbyPhil BurgessSam CrossJames DaviesAlex DavisAlex GrayOllie Lindsay-HagueTom Mitchell ©Luke MorganDan NortonFixtures:GB Royals 43-0 Italy GB Royals 40-14 FranceGB Royals 24-0 EnglandSemi-finalGB Royals 19-0 SamuraiTries: Burgess (2), NortonConversion: Mitchell (2)FinalGB Lions 27-14 GB RoyalsTries: Bibby, CrossConversions: Mitchell (2)
