The Senior VIIs backed up last week’s success at the Sussex 7s with victory at the Reigate Charity 7s in torrid conditions.
Epsom were made to work hard in their opening pool match against Caterham and it took a late try by Theo Alexis (P) to seal victory 10-5. This was followed by an improved performance against CLFS to win 21-5. With only two pool games due to the late withdrawal of Maidstone GS, Epsom progressed through to the quarter-final of the cup as pool winners. This set up a quarter-final match against Wellington College who also topped their pool.
With weather conditions worsening in the afternoon, this did not hinder the quality of rugby on show by Epsom and the performance against Wellington was outstanding. Epsom dominated from start to finish, absorbing everything Wellington had to offer. Tries from Luke Laughton (C), Makeen Alikhan (Rn) and Tom Allen (Fa) sealed a 19-0 win.
A semi-final match against Whitgift, who beat Dulwich 12-10, was next up. With conditions underfoot extremely difficult, Epsom played with great skill and invention and scored two excellent tries from Andrew Palmer (H) and Luke Laughton to win the game 12-0. This set up a final against Brighton who overcame Tonbridge in the other semi-final match 21-12.
The final started brightly for Epsom, and playing into the wind in the first half the quality of 7s played was impressive. Holding on to the ball and using the width well, Epsom stretched the Brighton defence on numerous occasions and were rewarded with two tries from Alexis and one from Jack Jesty (G), two of which were converted by Jesty to give Epsom a deserved 19-0 lead at half time. The second half was all Epsom, and despite Brighton’s valiant attempts to get back into the game Epsom held on to win the cup in convincing style.
To progress through all the knock out games without conceding a point and to win back-to-back tournaments is a remarkable achievement for this squad and testament to all the hard work they have put in since the start of term.
Next up is the Surrey 7s on the 13th March at Richmond before the season ends with the Nationals on the 26th March.
vs Caterham WON 10-5
vs CLFS WON 21-5
vs Maidstone GS BYE
Quarter-Final
vs Wellington College WON 19-0
Semi-Final
vs Whitgift WON 12-0
Final
vs Brighton College WON 19-0
