The Challenge 66th Sunshine Sevens

 

East Grinstead Rugby Club hosted the Challenge 66th Sunshine Sevens on Sunday at Saint Hill. The weather tried to interfere, but all teams turned up to play, with the quality and standard brilliant despite the soft ground. All three Tournaments Men’s Elite / Men’s Open and Women’s Open were well contested.

 

In the  Elite Tournament –  A very strong field for what is recognised as the season opener, Ramblin Jesters were back to see if they could make it a record equalling fourth title. Contested by teams from Apache – Lions – Wooden Spoon – Shogun Rugby - Esher and Ratana battled it out all afternoon. Jesters just too strong in the final beating Shogun Blue 38-7 to again lift the Lady Astor of Hever Trophy.

 

In the Elite Plate Shogun Red who beat Apache Braves 28 – 12 with Shogun completing a great weekend of sevens having won Chelmsford sevens the day before.

 

In the Women’s Open Tournament, probably the strongest field we have had for a few years, reflects the surge in the women’s game, which is great. The East Grinstead women got the opportunity to play against – Last years winners Wooden Spoon, The Lionesses, Eggchasers, Ratana and three teams from the Savvy Panthers. The Lionesses looked the real deal all afternoon and claimed the Steve Cairns Trophy beating Savvy Panther Black 58 – 5. In the Women’s Plate Wooden Spoon beat Savvy Panther blue 12-5.

 

In the Men’s Open Tournament – Eggchaser Lions won through just beating Oxford Harlequins.

 

This year The Player of the Tournament sponsored by Pennyfarthing Jewellers, provided a watch for best Men’s and Women’s Player.

Men’s Player – Edmund Anya – Ramblin Jesters.

Women’s Player – Lizzie Musa – Lionesses.

 

The Presentations Party had Dave Hooker, President of Sussex RFU and Derek Hughes – EGRFC President, Colin Prior from Challenge Packaging (main Sponsor) Garry Gordon – Chair of Sunshine Sevens Committee.