54th Sunshine Sevens 2011

The Sunshine Sevens weekend lived up to all expectations, with fabulous sunshine and the quality of Sevens reaching an all time high.

Saturday saw a strong field compete in the Ladies competition for the Steve Cairns Trophy, The Pink Ba Bas returned to winning ways, beating Camberley 27-5 in the final. The Plate was won by Lewes who beat Chelmsford 19-14.

The Sevens weekend was celebrated in style on Saturday night to local band ATUA in the Clubhouse.

The presence of Dutch club The Wasps from Nijmegen brought a real International flavour to their Royal Wedding Tour.

Sunday again conditions were perfect for Sevens and with some of the best teams in the south competing for the Lady Astor of Hever trophy.

A huge crowd watched both finals basking in the Easter holiday sunshine.  Last years winners Maurauders Academy looked really good in the early rounds, but a really physical and controlled performance by Esher saw them take the title by 38 – 26 in a thrilling final.

East Grinstead continued their strong season and pursuit for silverware by winning the Plate beating Cardinal  7, 52-5.

Player of the Tournament for the Pennyfarthing Shield was won by Esher's John Gibb, who was Eshers main play maker.

Presentations to the teams were made by Paul Murphy, Vice President of the RFU, who came down from Twickenham HQ especially for the Sevens.

Mr Murphy commented that it was fantastic to see such a great event so well supported and the standard of Sevens on display, particularly when the end product means that local Children’s charities benefit.

For the Organising Committee at the Rugby Club, this was the perfect weekend and with bigger crowds should have helped the fundraising for The Step by Step School and the Opportunity Playgroup.

Don’t forget the next chance to Help us Help Them, Golf day at Chartham Park – Friday 26th August 2011.

Garry Gordon
Sunshine Sevens Chairman