Kiama Sevens competition

Sydney University Football Club entered two teams into the annual Kiama 7's competition on Saturday 27th February. With the Colts scheduled to play the first game of the day an early start was had by all. The team bus arrived in Kiama to a beautiful sunny coastal day. There was plenty of excitement in the air as this was the first hit out in the pre-season for most clubs. The No 1 Kiama oval was surrounded by marquees, the beach was a perfect back drop and the playing ovals were lush. Ten of the Sydney Clubs entered sides, Canberra teams were well represented as was a number of regional and guest teams which included the likes of the Lloyd McDermott, Sons of Lapu Lapu, Renegades, Hamilton Island and the Aussie Spirit team which was made up of members currently in the Australian 7's squad including SUFC representatives Pat McCutcheon and Jacob Taylor. Unfortunately injuries prevented other SUFC young guns Clinton Sills, Bernard Foley and Nick Phibbs from playing.
 
Despite a quick warm up straight off the bus the Colts wasted no time to show their intentions as they ran in four first half tries against Camden at 8.30am. The 2nd half was much of the same and resulted in a very strong first up win. Brad Panayiotou was particularly impressive and was well supported by Jack Sullivan in a strong team effort. Unfortunately for the Colts team they won the 2nd game on a forfeit as a Kiama Development Squad didn't have enough numbers to take on the students.
 
The SUFC Grade team were keen to start the day with a solid win against Hamilton Island who had a strong ex pat feel to the team. The Grade team were guilty of taking the ball into contact for the first couple of minutes of this game. Once the players started using the width of the field and kept the ball alive opportunities arose for some of the speedsters including Tom Tombleson, Lachlan Rosengreen and Robert O'Rielly. Despite being under pressure the defensive line stood strong with Greg Jeloudev taking on far bigger opponents with plenty of enthusiasm. The team ran out winners 24-0 in a tough first hit out. Things didn't get much easier in the next game against a committed Lloyd McDermott team. The opposition showed some good skills which was expected but they also played with plenty of aggression. Ball control, effort off the ball and avoiding contact was improving and the team put together two quick tries to Tombleson and a break away run from high striding Oliver Greasham. The team managed to keep their line uncrossed for the 2nd game while notching up two further well worked tries. Unfortunately the team suffered a couple of injuries to Captain Anthony Pohlen and Dan Simpson which would test the depth of the squad but the team was certainly looking forward to its next challenge.
 
After a swim both teams enjoyed a Ross Ryan special BBQ which was well received after a busy morning. After topping their respective pools both teams were given tough assignments in the next round. The Colts took on a physical and skillful Manly A team who had a number of quality 1st Grade players. The Colts team put in a big effort but were outclassed and out muscled in a one sided result. The Grade team lined up against Warringah A who had also been impressive in the morning matches. Warringah scored first and seemed to grow in confidence. Going into the break down by three tries the students tried to play catch up footy in the 2nd half but couldn't pull back the early lead.
 
The tournament was won by West Harbour who beat Eastern Suburbs in the final.
 
Both teams were disappointed to exit the competition earlier than hoped but it was certainly an enjoyable day for all. A special thanks must go the following people for giving up their time and assisting the players on and off the field down in Kiama: Pete Delevere, Jack Farrer, Pete Playford, Ross Ryan, Evan Hoskins, Scott Fraser, Katherine Rae, Chris Spring, Baden Stephenson and Greg Mumm. Local resident Les Trist (father of Nathan) made sure SUFC had prime location to set up the marquee close to the beach and BBQ by roping off an area for the club on Friday evening which was most appreciated.
 
The participating squads were as follows:
SUFC Colts - Matthew Armour, Nicholas Boland, Byron Hodge, George Hudd, Chris Jarvis, Vilitati Liutaki, Brad Panayiotou, Jack Sullivan, Keliti Vaingalo, Matthew Walker.
 
SUFC Grade - Jeremy Atkin, Thomas Boiden, Willie DuPlessis, Oliver Gresham, Greg Jeloudev, James McMahon, Robert O'Rielly, Ifalemi Paea, Lachlan Rosengreen, Dan Simpson, Tom Tombleson.