Selwyn College Rugby team has claimed the top spot of the annual High Schools Easter Rugby 7s tournament after edging the defending champions White River community high school in a stunning grand final yesterday at the Panatina rugby oval.
A tough game though, they were confident up right and managed to walk away with $2000 cash prize along with a perpetual trophy from their 22-17 triumph.
It was White River who scored from the opening minutes with a brilliant try followed by a successful conversion that stunned Selwyn College boys.
Despite trailing behind Selwyn boys stood their grounds and was fortunate to level the score 7-7 mid way through the match from Peter Iroga’s try and a successful convention.
White River did put on a good game but were deprived of any chance to utilize their attempts, however, with the huge crowd backing Selwyn College, they managed to extend the lead just before half time with a perfect try from Laston Ramsey’s try but the convention was unsuccessful.
Both team went for the break with Selco boys leading the defending champions 12-7.
After the break Ramsey further extend their lead to 17-7 with his second try of the match but the convention was not successful.
Laverster Puia reduced the gap to 12-17 for White River from a beautiful try but the convention was unsuccessful.
Dominating possession, White River pressed further and was fortunate to level the score 17-17 from a perfect try from fresh substitute Nigel before the regulation time.
However Johnson Wareke was the hero for Selwin College from his brave try in the sudden death extra time of the grand final which ended the defending champions hope to defend their title for the Easter 7’s tourney.
St Nicholas claimed the third spot while Bishop Epale scooped the fourth place of the senior category’s competition.
For Junior category, St John Community High School are the champions of this year’s Easter 7’s Championship.
St John walked home with $2000 cash along with a perpetual trophy after beating Mbokonavera Community High School 24-19 also in a grand final yesterday.
Selwyn College settled on third, Bishop Epale on fourth while White River on Fifth position.
For consolation prizes, an Mbokonavera student Davison scooped the highest scorer award while Carling of St John School received the player of the tournament’s award for Junior category.
For senior category, Laston Ramsey of Selwyn College snatched the highest try scorer award while player of the tournament was awarded to Laverster Puia of Whiter River.
Meanwhile SIRUF Manager Nick Hatigeva thanked all the participating schools for this year’s Easter 7’s tournament.
He said, the enthusiasm displayed during the competition was very treasured.
He thanked the competition’s co-sponsors Credit Cooperation for sponsoring the competition as well as SIRUF.
Hatigeva also thanked students, teachers, principals and everyone who rendered their support towards the success of the competition.
By CROFTON UTUKANA
