The 2016 PAC Sevens Rugby Tournament successfully took place at DC Park Rugby Field over the weekend.
A very good day with 8 teams battling it out over 18 games all packed into 1 day.
The pool rounds kicked off in the morning and every team was eager to challenge for the top 2 semi-final spots in each pool.
Although the sevens game is played over 7 minute halves, 7 minutes felt like forever as teams pushed each other to the limit with big hits, try saving tackles, body on line defence, length of the field runs and tries coming in from all directions.
A total of 88 tries was scored throughout the tournament and entertainment was not short on the day.
Four very good teams: Hammer Heads, SINU Blue, Relas and Events Frist Team made it through to the semi-finals and the pressure was on for who would advance to the grand finale.
Events Frist team showed class and composure to beat SINU Blue 33 to 5. While the second semi-final came down to the wire, with a heart breaking loss for Relas. Hammer Heads winning by just 1 conversation kick, final score 14 to 12.
So the grand finale stage was set for a massive one. Both teams knew they had to be at their best to out play the other on a cool and windy Saturday afternoon. Hammer Heads started off with a bang running in the first try.
Then Events first showed their class once again and changed gear to run out to a 22 points to 5 lead over Hammer Heads.
But the boys from Hammer Heads weren’t done just yet. Fighting back with 2 tries inside the last 3 minutes.
A potential upset was on the cards but a knock on inside stoppage time from Hammer Heads was the telling blow and Events First team coming were crowned the 2016 PAC Sevens Rugby Kings. Final score, Events First 22 def Hammer Heads 17. Great Game! Awesome Day!
Tournament Manager of the PAC Sevens mentioned, “congratulation to the undefeated champions of the PAC Sevens Tournament, Events First Team.
“The day was made possible with the support of the tournament’s major sponsor, Pacific Air Cargo Company.
“Henderson Hammer Heads Rugby Club who host and organise this event would like to say a big thank you to Pacific Air Cargo for their generous support that will go a long way to develop rugby at club level.
“This event plus all the other events that Hammer Heads Club have hosted so far, shows our commitment to improve and develop rugby in Solomon Islands.
“We are grateful that companies and organisations have recognised our efforts. And so, we put the challenge out there for other clubs and event organisers to do the same.”
The tournament manager also added, “The organizers also wanted to make mention of the co-sponsors of this event.
“These are Solbrew Company and Solrice Company for the generous donation of consolation prizes for the event.
“The quick response from these 2 companies was overwhelming and we recognise them for giving back to the community through sports development in the country. And we also want to recognise our friends and supporters, Eastern Motors, DC Park Events and Semisi & Co for their support in making this event a success.”
