Sevens: Schoolgirls turn on razzle, dazzle

Irongate and Flaxmere school sevens players enjoy the inaugural U13 sevens. Photo/supplied

The inaugural under-13 girls' rugby sevens tournament was held last week at Irongate School, Flaxmere.

William Colenso, Napier Intermediate, Irongate School, Flaxmere Primary and Hastings Intermediate competed.

Team sizes ranged from the minimum nine players to a whopping 17.

On a fast pitch, with overcast conditions and a positively vocal crowd, the girls produced performances well above their experience.

Hastings Intermediate went through undefeated in their four round-robin matches.

"They played with speed, agility and controlled aggression - the attributes of many a strong sevens team," said organiser Thomas Te Pou.

Te Pou said about 70 girls took part but he was hoping three more schools would join next year to form two pools of four, culminating in semifinals and final.

Hawke's Bay Rugby Football Union development officers and sevens selectors gave the day a boost with their attendance.

Te Pou thanked Hastings Boys' High School for providing referees and Irongate School for marking the grounds and helping create an inspiring environment for the girls taking part.