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LATEST NEWS 2004
Archive 2007 2005/2006 2004/2005 2003/2004 2002/2003
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Samurai Ladies Make It 3 In a Row
The Samurai Ladies rounded off their inaugural year with a
brilliant victory in the Dubai 7s Ladies tournament. Watched by a
crowd of approximately 27,000, they turned in a skilful and
exciting performance to comprehensively beat fellow English based
side Moody Cows 41-0. The final score reflected the dominance of
the Samurai Ladies, who started the tournament by beating the 2002
and 2003 winners, Abu Dhabi, 60-0.
The team finished top of their pool and then smoothly progressed
to the semis by putting over 60 points on their opponents in the
quarter final. The girls faced the Russian national side in the
semi-finals who proved to be aggressive and physical opponents but
no match for the skill of the Samurais. The Samurai Ladies scored
a massive 277 points with only 5 against and retained the seasons
unbeaten record .
Kindly sponsored by Marquesman Sports services and Club Concierge,
the team which included English, Welsh, New Zealand, French and
Canadian international players showed individual flare and great
teamwork in abundance. Their performance in the final epitomised
this style and was thoroughly appreciated by the large crowd.
Samurai Double At Harpenden
Samurai International RFC entered 2 teams for this years Harpenden
Sevens on September 6th.
The normal Samurai International team was Coached by Colin Hillman
and the St George Samurai Team – which consisted of up and coming
England players that were part of England 7s Coach Mike Friday’s
development plan – was Coached by Mark Hewitt from Gloucester
Academy.
As ever there were several specialist 7s teams that had entered
the tournament with the Marauders, Scorpions and the Apache
amongst them as well as the Middlesex 7s Winners the British Army
taking part in a quality field.
The St George team, under the guidance of Mike Friday and Mark
Hewitt had improved with every game and the experience that the
players were gaining was invaluable said Friday. 2 Old campaigners
had been added to the side in the form of Ben Harvey and Jim
Jenner and these two 7s experts really took the youngsters under
their wing.
St George disposed of the Scorpions in the ¼ final and then put in
an outstanding display by ousting the Army in the semi, whilst
Samurai International fended off an outstanding Billy’s Bar in the
¼ final and then the much fancied Marauders in the semi.
To see both Samurai Teams in the Final was testament to just how
well the Samurai teams had been put together and run since their
formation in 1996 and thanks to the support of their sponsors ULR
Norwich over the last 3 years. The Club has been instrumental in
developing and nurturing many young 7s players, to help them on to
bigger and better things and in several cases to represent their
Country.
With both teams in the Final you could forgive the management for
being a little lethargic, however this was not to be.
It was a very fired up St George’s team that took the field and
they made it very difficult indeed for the experienced Samurai
I.R.F.C. team to gain any quality possession.
A large crowd enjoyed some end-to-end stuff but St George led from
beginning to end as they ran out worthy winners 24 – 17
Final Stats =
Samurai International – De Kok (Blue Bulls), Prosser’Shaw
(Nuneaton), Williams (Wales 7s & Capt), Earnshaw (Rotherham), Hunt
(Perpignan), Carter (Neath / Swansea),
Feeley (Bradford Bulls), Leek (Coventry), Lane (Coventry), Wakeley
(Cardiff)
Tries – Wakeley 1T 2C, De Kok 1T, Feeley 1T
St George Samurai – Ojo (Lon Irish), Adams / Matthews (Glos),
Powell / Bedford (Saracens), Coles (Nottingham), Phillips
(Newcastle), Vickerman (Leeds) Jenner (Birmingham & Capt), Harvey
(Stourbridge & V.Capt)
Tries – Ojo 1T, Phillips 1T, Matthews 1T, Harvey 1T 2C)
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Samurai End Sevens Season With New York Win
The ULR Samurai team made the long journey to the USA to
participate in the New York 7s for the first time.
Despite 2 late call offs due to injury the Samurai were able to
take along an experienced side and with several other strong sides
in the competition, including tournament favorites - the Middlesex
7s winning British Army team – they needed to.
The tournament took place at a Randall’s Island a short drive from
the City Center with 2 Pools of 4 teams competing for the Premier
Division Trophy.
Pool 1 consisted of the British Army, Suzie’s Kiwi Saloon, Mexico
& Old Blues and Pool 2 having Samurai, Bermuda, Albany and the
much fancied S.A.Panthers who had just traveled direct from Cape
Town where they were part of a 28 man S.A.7s training Squad where
selection had taken place for the IRB tournament in Dubai.
Both the Army and the Samurai teams eventually disposed of their
early opponents to find themselves facing Suzie’s Kiwi’s and the
S.A.Panthers in the final pool games. The Samurai who had the
tougher of the 2 final pool games needed to beat the Panthers so
as to avoid an even tougher probable Semi Final against the Army.
The Samurai came out firing on all cylinders and put in one of
their best performances for some time. The Panthers wondered what
hit them as Samurai took a 21 – 0 half time lead with fine tries
from Ben Golling's, Rob Vickerman and Jonathon Hooper. Mark Watson
pulled a Try back for Panthers on 9 minutes but then James
Matthias and John Feeley responded on the 10th and 12th minute to
put the game beyond the Panthers reach. Elton Manakka and again
Watson scored 2 late Tries in the 13th & 14th minutes to bring
back an air of respectability for the Panthers, with the final
score being 33 – 19 to Samurai.
In Pool 1 The Army disposed of Suzie’s with relative ease so the
Semi Finals were now The British Army v S.A.Panthers and Samurai
International v Suzie’s Kiwi’s.
As expected, judging from the performances so far, both The Army
and Samurai went through with both teams relishing the prospect of
a great Final.
As the Final kicked off, the Army almost immediately took a 7 – 0
lead with a well taken Try from Able Qualakaboa this early Try
sprung the Samurai Team into life and for almost 5 minutes they
denied the Army any possession. Rob Vickerman, Gareth Williams and
James Matthias were immense up front and a stream of quality ball
lead to 3 first half tries from Simon Hunt, Ben Golling’s and John
Feeley all converted by Golling’s. Going into half time the
Samurai lead 21 – 7 but knew only to well just how capable this
British Army team was of making a comeback.
Gareth Williams (Capt) and Colin Hillman (Coach) rallied the
players in the half time team talk and their focus continued.
As the 2nd half kicked off the Army once again scored almost
immediately as there
- Singapore 7s Man of the Tournament - Josepha Kava scored under
the posts with the conversion being added by Qualakaboa. With the
score now 21 – 14 and an excited crowd cheering at every
opportunity the scene was set for a great finale.
The Army attacked once more and as they entered the Samurai 22,
Ben Golling’s committed a professional foul on the Army Scrum
half, only to find himself being sent to the sin bin for 2
minutes.
The Fijians could sniff victory and continued to attack at every
opportunity but dogged defence from in particular Jonathon Hooper
and Simon Hunt kept the Army out until Qualakaboa helped himself
to his 2nd Try to bring the score to 21 – 21.
Was it going to be history repeating itself whereby the Samurai
team folded against this talented Army team? Not on this
occasion………… The Army kicked off and as Kava landed after plucking
the ball from the Air, Matthias barreled him into touch with a
ferocious tackle. From the ensuing lineout and subsequent ruck the
Army found themselves a man down as Tui received a yellow card for
slowing down release.
With almost 3 minutes left and with Golling’s back on the pitch –
Samurai surged forwards. Richard Carter made an excellent break
and off loaded to Williams who committed his man and timed his
pass to perfection for the supporting Vickerman to touch down Left
of the posts. Golling’s converted to take the score to 28 – 21.
The Army was now back to 7 men and tried desperately to perform
some magic. However an astute kick ahead over a flat Samurai
defence led to the experienced Golling’s making the ball his own,
who then produced his own magic chip ahead to then receive and out
pace the defence to score in the corner. 33 – 21 to Samurai and as
the ball went dead from the kick off – Samurai were victorious in
this excellent New York 7s final.
The crowd cheered and showed their thanks to both teams for being
treated to a great final with some flowing skilful Rugby from both
teams.
Samurai Team =
Gareth Williams (Wales 7s ) Capt – Rob Vickerman (Leeds / Young
England) – James Matthias (Bristol / Young England) - Andrew
Carter (Bridgend) - Jonathon Hooper (Wales 7s) – Ben Gollings
(England 7s) – Simon Hunt (England 7s) – John Feeley (Bradford
Bulls) – Richard Carter (Neath – Swansea) – Ed Burrill (Newcastle
/ Young England)
Coach – Colin Hillman (Wales 7s)
Manager – Terry Sands (England A Team)
Physio – Simon Thomas ( Celtic Warriors)
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Samurai 7s Success Continues
In possibly the most successful 2 days of Rugby 7s ever for a
Sevens Invitation Team, Samurai International RFC managed the
fantastic feat of a 1,2,3 success over the weekend of the 6th
August 2004.
At the London Compass 7s on the 6th and 7th August, held at the
Stoop in Twickenham, the illustrious home of the NEC Harlequins.
Samurai International became tournament runners up, as they were
beaten by favourites Gloucester in an excellent final. The Samurai
team, which was put together by Terry Sands and Coached by Paul
Treu, who also coaches the Springbok 7s team, consisted mainly of
South African Club players. Bennie Adams, Rohan Pienaar, Deon
Booytson, Steffan Basson and Jaco Van Scalkwyk were just some of
the team selected.
The tournament consisted of many quality teams, which included New
Zealand Legends, Australian Legends, White Hart Marauders and
Rugby Ecosse and was of a very high standard indeed.
Gloucester, who were full of 7s specialists were led by Simon Amor
the England 7s Captain. The team also included Henry Paul, James
Simpson Daniel, James Forrester, Marcel Garvey and Jake Boer.
The Samurai Team disposed of Young England, USA Grizzlies, Durban
Harlequins and Global Fiji Samurai (The Samurai 2nd team) on their
way to the final. Global Fiji Samurai, who had beaten the British
Army on the way, beat NEC Harlequins in the 3rd / 4th place play
off.
With a 2nd and 3rd place at the London Compass 7s, it was a very
tall order indeed for the Samurai’s 3rd team of the weekend,
Coached by Colin Hillman of Wales 7s fame, to do well in the
prestigious Cwmtawe 7s at Swansea on the 7th August.
As the team heard of their ‘7s Brothers’ success in London on the
tanoy, they produced some fine performances where they beat Brecon
Old Boys, The Royal Navy and Crawshays on the way to the final.
The Final was against a Swansea side that had pace to burn.
Swansea who had beaten Neath in their Semi final was in a
confidant mood and went 1 try up after only 30 seconds of the
game. That was the only time Swansea were to be in front as the
Samurai team came back with tries from James Matthias, John Feeley,
Nick Wakeley, Gareth Williams and man of the match James Donovan
to finish the match as winners by 50 points to 12.
1,2,3 in a fantastic weekend for the UK’s top Men’s invitation
side. www.samurai-rugby.com
Samurai Ladies impress in Scandinavian Sevens victory
Samurai Ladies invitational side followed up their debut
tournament victory in the Sofia Sevens with an impressive win in
the Scandinavian Open. They entered the final as favourites,
despite facing the 2003 winners “Watch Out Pedestrians”, whose
players are all members of the Dutch national side. The Samurai
Ladies showed all the class expected of a team whose squad
included seven international players. Playing imaginative rugby,
and inspired by overwhelming support from the Danish crowd and
fellow touring sides, the Samurai Ladies controlled the match
throughout.
The final score was 35-0, concluding a highly successful weekend
which again saw the Samurai’s concede no points. The next
competition will be the Harpenden Sevens, but Captain Sally Wise’s
ultimate ambition is the ladies title at this years Dubai Sevens.
This IRB tournament is recognised as one of the most spectacular
of the world series.
Coach: Nigel Brook-Walters
Sally Wise (Capt)
Helen Clayton
Leslie Cripps
Assunta Debiase
Chris Driver
Vicky Massarella
Hannah Myers
Emily Ryall
Christie Thompson
Fiona Wise
3 Teams Out In Busy Weekend For Samurai
The Samurai Management team face a very busy weekend on the 7th
August, as they will be entering 3 separate teams in to 2
tournaments.
The 1st tournament will take place n London at the NEC Harlequins
Stoop ground, situated next to England’s home of Rugby,
Twickenham. This is a 2 day event on the 6th and 7th sponsored by
Compass Group.
Then the 2nd then the 2nd tournament in Swansea Wales is the
Cwmtawe 7s being played at Pontardawe RFC.
It is the management’s intention to put out 3 very strong sides
indeed.
All 3 will be invitation teams that will consist of specialist 7s
exponents. The Samurai International RFC management has also
enlisted the help of 3 very experienced Coaches for the 2 events.
Paul Treu, Coach of the South African 7s team that participates in
the IRB series, will take sole charge of the Samurai team in
London. The team will consist of several SA 7s players that have
taken part on the IRB World Circuit this year.
Colin Hillman the Ex Wales 7s Coach who worked with the Welsh team
before it was decided the WRU would no longer support 7s. Will
Coach the Samurai Team taking part in Swansea on Saturday 7th. The
team will consist of many of the Samurai 7s regulars, with Jon
Skurr Captaining the team. Youngsters Stuart Cokeley of Sale,
after a fine showing in Rome, will again be given the opportunity
to impress and at the same time gain more valuable 7s experience.
Joining him will be another youngster Stuart Taylor of Gloucester
Academy, who has been training with Gloucester’s 1st team squad
during the summer. With a fine blend of youth and experience the
team is bound to be competitive.
Finally the Global Fiji Samurai team will also take part in the
Compass event. The team, that will be captained by Amasio Valance
and Managed by Rajesh Singh, should also be competitive in what
promises to be a very strong tournament indeed.
Watch this space for full reports on how the teams progress.
Global Fiji Samurai
The Global Fiji Samurai team will make their second visit to the
UK when they participate in the Compass Sevens tournament at the
Stoop.
They previously came together in 2002 when they embarked on a 5
week tour that was put together by Terry Sands of Samurai
International RFC.
With sponsorship from ULR Norwich they achieved the fantastic
record of played 4 won 3 during their short tour and have been
patiently waiting for the chance to return.
In 2002 they won the London Kiwi Sevens, North Riding Sevens and
the Kinsale Sevens and narrowly lost the London Sevens final by a
single try to the British Army, whom they had beaten the previous
week in the final of the London Kiwi 7s.
The Global Fiji Samurai team managed by Rajesh Singh, are looking
forward to participating in the Compass Sevens tournament that is
being held at the NEC Harlequins ground – the Stoop – on Friday
6th and Saturday 7th August.
Expected Team.
Amasio Valance
Jovesa Naivalu
Jason TiaTia
Sailosi Naiteque
Nathaniel Walker
Ross Martin
Josefa Safatu
Sireli BoBo
Naisoni Rokobiau
Kali Vasunikasu
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Samurai Show Class In Cayman
The Samurai’s returned to Cayman, intent on retaining their title,
although the team was completely different from the previous year.
It was a team full of players with very good sevens experience
containing Sevens internationals from England, Wales, South Africa
and Spain, a team worthy of representing the Samurai in such high
quality international event.
Day 1 started well with a convincing 45-5 victory over a game
athletic Guyana team. The skill, speed and technical ability of
the Samurai players was obvious for all to see, with the likes of
James Brook, Oriol Ripol, John Feeley and Craig Richards reveling
in the amount of ball produced by outstanding forwards Earnshaw,
Gravell, and Prosser-Shaw. Samurais were fortunate in this game in
that they were able to use all of their squad with Gert De Kok, Ed
Burrell and Anthony Carter joining the fray at various stages and
ensuring the high standard was maintained.
Game 2 was an outstanding victory against a potentially dangerous
Ecosse team, the Samurai, realizing the challenge raised their
game and completely overran them with a superb display of Sevens
rugby culminating in a 36-5 victory.
Game 3 was another good victory against local heroes the Cayman
Select team. With the crowd urging them on with great support,
they were very committed and willing but no match for the now
confident Samurai team who ran out winners 33-0
The last game of the day was always going to be a tough one, a
repeat of last years final, against the British Army.
Unfortunately the Army proved to be too strong on the day with the
Samurai never really getting into top gear. Knowing they had
already qualified for the quarter final regardless of the outcome
of this game, obviously had some bearing on their display. The
Army ran out deserved winners by 28-12.
Day 1 completed with 3 victories and 1 loss and with Day 2
looming, rest and recovery were badly needed.
Day 2 started late for the Samurai which was greatly appreciated
by the players. The first game kicking off at 17.40 hrs against
our old adversaries and sevens buddies the Marauders, Always an
enormously hard game, this was no different, with the Marauders
leading at half time, however such was the quality and spirit
within the Samurai team that they raised their game in the second
half and played some outstanding rugby. The Marauders were
gradually wore down and the Samurais avenged their 19 – 15
Amsterdam 7s semi-final defeat, as they ran out convincing winners
in the end, This victory set up yet another clash with the British
Army.
With so much depending on this game, there was never any doubt
that the Samurai’s would fail to ‘get into’ the game this time.
With the victors avoiding the favourites for the title (Red Rock
of Fiji) in the Semi Final the game was very important.
An outstanding game of Sevens was played by both teams. The Army
took an early convincing lead, but the Samurai fought back
strongly and had the crowd on the edge of their seats as they got
within 2 points. With only 2 minutes remaining the game was poised
for an exciting finale. With the Samurai speedster now out through
injury the team missed their previous pace out wide and hard as
they tried a late try by the Army saw them through.
This resulted in the Samurai meeting Red Rock in the semi-final
and it was obvious to everyone that they had the potential to move
up a gear when they needed to. Move up they had to as they took on
a very determined Samurai team who ran them all the way in a
thrilling end to end game. Every Samurai player who took to the
field stood up and was counted and they provided some
scintillating rugby. However on the night it was not quite enough
against a skilful Red Rock team, who went on to beat the British
Army so convincingly in the Final.
Every Samurai player wore the jersey with pride and acquitted
themselves well in a tournament of the highest quality.
Congratulations must be given to the tournament sponsors and
organisers for staging such a great event and a tremendous week in
the Cayman Islands.
Here’s looking forward to next year !
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Samurai Lose Out To Winners In Rome
Roma Sevens 12th June 2004
The invitation to defend the Samurai Teams Roma Sevens Crown was
always going to be difficult as Samurai were participating in 2
tournaments on the same weekend.
With a team also participating in Cayman, Mark Hewitt (Coach) and
Ray Watts (Manager) were able to select a team with the future in
mind. A great blend of youth and experience was selected, with the
youngsters in the team being given the opportunity to taste an
excellent standard of competition that was being played at an
excellent venue.
This years tournament had extra spice added by the addition of the
NZ Metro 7, Garryowen, Marauders (winners of the Amsterdam Sevens)
and Stellenbosch University, fresh from their success in the
Melrose Sevens.
In an idyllic setting right next to the Olympic Stadium, the scene
was set for a tournament of Gladiatoral proportions.
The opening two games in pool A saw the youthful Samurai team beat
London Visigoths by 26pts to nil, then Seven Kings of Rome by
45pts without reply.
A welcome 3hr afternoon break to get out of the fierce Italian
heat was most welcome as the team prepared for a quarter final
clash with the Italian National Team.
Without a recognised “gas man”, the Samurais had to rely on sevens
expertise to take on a rapidly improving Azzuri team that had just
participated in the IRB 7s tournament at Twickenham. The Italian
team were determined to avenge last years final defeat by the
Samurai.
The game got off to a bad start, when from a penalty on the
Italians 10m line, they hoisted a huge kick deep into the Samurais
22. From the resulting lineout, a clever mis-move in the centre
saw their man of the match, Samoan Mannato, cut through and score
under the posts. The game was played at an electrifying pace with
the Samurais playing catch-up for most of the game.
Paul Baird scored the Samurais 1st try after a well read
interception, with Dave Knight & Baz Hocking scoring the third,
and Austin Howells converting all three, to finish up losing by
24pts to 21.
The Italians , now backed by a buoyant home crowd, took on and
defeated a strong NZ Metro seven by 12pts to 10 in a hard ,
bruising semi final.
With a fresh looking and talented Stellenbosch team in the final,
the Italians decided to open up the game and meet the South
Africans head on. In a thoroughly entertaining final, The Italians
running out as eventual winners by 38pts to 31.
Although only reaching the quarter finals, the young Samurai squad
defended their title bravely and can hold their heads up high.
Given that three of the team were under 19, these young warriors
can only learn from the invaluable experience in competing in such
a tournament.
Team
Austin Howells ( Capt) ; Luke Arscott; Baz Hocking; Stuart Cokeley;
Will Oldham; Jamie Rennie; Phil Reed; John Boden; Paul Baird; Dave
Knight; Steffan Armitage;
Coach Mark Hewitt, Manager Ray Watts, Physio Claire McCloughlin
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Samurai Run Broken In Amsterdam
The Samurai’s impressive run was broken in Amsterdam as they were
beaten 19 – 15 by the Corso Marauders team that included a large
contingent of British Army 7s players. In a game that should have
been the final, the Samurai’s failed to recover from 2 early
Marauders tries from the impressive Damu Damu.
With Ben Lewitt, Jim Jenner, Russell Earnshaw, John Skurr, Ed
Burrill and Andy Carter all unavailable for Samurai selection the
team had a few unfamiliar faces in their ranks. However newcomers
Rob Hoadley and Alan Madonye performed well throughout.
In the Sunday pool games Samurai disposed of Pacific Coast
Grizzlies, West Indies and Millfield Old Boys with relative ease
but were unfortunately rewarded with the tough side of the draw as
they had to face the Corso Marauders.
Samurai now move on to Rome and Cayman looking to add to their
already impressive season.
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Samurai Make It 4 from 4......
The Samurai 7s team made it 4 wins from 4 starts as they won the Sofia Sevens tournament in Bulgaria in style.
The team qualified with ease on the first day and romped in to the semi finals on day 2 where they disposed of the Bulgarian National 7 to move in to the final.
Samurai faced Suzies Exiles in the final (Semi Finalists at the 2004 Kinsale 7s) who had travelled straight from Ireland to take part.
The strong Samurai team scored 47 unanswered points and finished the tournaments with the unbelievable record of not having a try scored against them.
Team = Jim Jenner (Capt) Ben Lewitt, Nick Easter, Andy Dawling – Gavin Cattle, Gert DeKok, Vessels Wolmerans, Dave Knight, Leigh Hinton, Warren Coles.
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First Of Many For Ladies 7?
Samurai International R.F.C. have become the first International
Invitation 7s team to add a Ladies Team to the club. Womans Rugby
was given a great boost as the Samurai team took the Sofia 7s
tournament by storm. It is hoped that the team will be able to
continue to enter many more tournaments over the next few years.
Samurai Ladies 7s win first
tournament
The Samurai Ladies 7's team returned
from their debut tournament as winners. The team, shadowing the
equally successful mens team, went through the entire tournament
without a single point being scored against them.
Coached by Nigel Brook-Walters (Wasps), Andrew Willett (Australian
7's) and Colin Hillman (Welsh 7's coach) the Samurai Ladies beat
the Bulgarian National Team 57 - o in the final.
Throughout the tournament the team played with such style and
skill that the girls would have been more than a match for many of
the mens team competing in Bulgaria.
Sally Wise, captain of Samurai Ladies, was delighted with the
result. "It really was a great perfomance from the girls given the
minimum time available to prepare together.
It is particularly pleasing after the support shown to us by
sponsors Samurai, Gerrard and ULR. The whole squad is really
looking forward to our next competition".
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Samurai Sharks Perform
The Samurai development team ‘the Sharks’ performed admirably as
they entered the North Riding Scarborough 7s. Captained by
Wakefield’s Jon Skurr a mixture of old heads and debutant
youngsters, blended well under the guidance of the new Gloucester
Academy Coach Mark Hewitt.
Baz Hocking, Ben Wickens and Martin Olima all Academy youngsters
made their debut’s for the Samurai Sharks team, who ran the very
experienced White Hart Marauders side close. Losing the semi final
by 17 points to 7. Samurai’s try was scored by Baz Hocking who put
in a fine performance.
The Sharks went on to take 3rd place beating Bristol University in
the play off.
The Sharks v Marauders game should have perhaps been the final as
the Marauders went on to win the final by a big margin against the
Crusaders.
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Hong Tens 2004
The Samurai team, in only their 2nd ever 10s tournament were again beaten
at the semi-final stage of this tough competition.
In the pool games they disposed of Glenmorangie Black Watch Fijians,
Pacific Coast Grizzlies, Chinese Universities and the Irish Vikings.
All of the pool games were highly competitive as is the norm at this high
standard tournament.
A last minute call off from Australian 7s Fly half Tim Walshe did not help
the Samurai cause, but when Queensland Reds and a Super 12 Contract came
calling, the answer was never going to be No.
The Samurai Semi Final against favourites NZ Metro was a very physical
affair.
The appointment of a New Zealand referee for this match was perhaps a
little unfair and he struggled to take control of the game in the correct
manner.
The contact area became a lottery and this eventually culminated in some
very dubious decisions. The game deteriorated rapidly and the large
supportive crowd could not believe some of the referee’s decisions against
the Samurai team.
Lewitt and Powell of the Samurai spent time in the Sin Bin and with less
than a minute left Brent Wilson finally got his marching orders with a Red
Card. The card came much to late and Metro ran out winners by 15 points to
Nil.
The 2nd consecutive semi final defeat, but a defeat with honour as the
Samurai again became the highest placed Notrhern Hemisphere team in the
competition.
Team;
John Devereaux – Swansea / Ben Lewitt – Orrell.
Gerrie Engelbrecht and Francois Hoffman – Blue Bulls.
Andy Powell – Celtic Warriors / Jim Jenner – Worcester.
Kingsley Jones – Pontypridd / Kramer Ronaki – Bedford.
Dan Connelley – London Welsh / Chris Yates – Worcester.
Chris Macdonald – Bridgend / Jon Boden – Rugby Lions.
Ed Burrill – Wasps / Simon Hunt – Perpignan /
John Carter – Doncaster.
Coach = Colin Hillman. Manager
= Terry Sands. Physio = Ian Horslet.
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Samurai
unveil new sponsor for Hong Kong 10s.
The Samurai team for Hong Kong have been very fortunate indeed to enlist the generous support of Welsh Company
Thrislington Clean Rooms, whose manufacturing base is in India.
The Samurai team are now able to add to the list of companies that have made the trip to Hong Kong possible.
The whole Samurai Team are most thankful to ULR Norwich, Thrislington Clean Rooms, Bostall’s, RKL, Magnus Group.
And Iver Technical Services.
We sincerely hope we can go One better than last year.
THRISLINGTON CLEAN ROOMS INDIA
Samurai's Invited Back To Hong Kong
After last years first ever effort at Ten a side Rugby and
their subsequent Semi Final exit against the eventual winners New Zealand
Metro. The Hong Kong Tens organisors have invited the team back for the
2004 tournament, to be held at the Hong Kong Football Club on the 24th /
25th March.
The Samurai management certainly learnt a lot from last years tournament
and they hope they can go One better this year.
This years team will include Alan Bateman and John Devereaux as well as
several other well known faces.
The team have been fortunate to attract the support of several additional
sponsors for this One off tournament as it outside of the teams normal 7s
budget.
Huge thanks must go to ULR Norwich, Bostall’s Kent, RHK Design Hong Kong
and
Iver Technical Services for their generous support.
Watch this space to see how the team goes..........
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Cayman Islands International Rugby Sevens 2004
June 11-12, 2004
Cayman Rugby Enthusiasts Limited today released the dates
for the 2004 Cayman International Rugby Sevens tournament. The Tournament
is scheduled to take place at the Truman Bodden Stadium in the Cayman
Islands on June 11-12, 2004. The Supporters tournament for club sides is
scheduled to take place on June 10th, 2004 at the Cayman Islands Rugby
Football Club.
The 2003 tournament was won by Samurai led by England Seven's Captain
Simon Amor in a pulsating game decided in the final seconds. Samurai
overcame the British Army side 22-21.
The organizers expect a top quality field in 2004 with last year's
finalists expected to return to be joined by the Fijian National Sevens
Champions, the United States Sevens Champions, Rugby Ecosse, former
winners of the tournament and teams featuring leading players from the
United Kingdom and New Zealand.
For further information on the tournament please see the tournament
website at www.cisevens.com .
A great deal of thanks must go to the Samurai sponsors for
this years Dubai 7s. The Samurai have participated in 11 tournaments so
far this year and have an excellent record. Dubai will be tournament No 12
and additional sponsorship assistance has had to be found for this event.
ULR Norwich who are the teams Premier sponsor, have given the team
tremendous support this season. Bostall's of Bromley in Kent, Starglaze
Windows and Magnus Distribution of Ipswich has given additional
assistance.
Without the generous support of these companies, the Team would not exist.
Thank you from all of the Management and Players.
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