SEVENS: Marist stay unbeaten to clinch title

Marist outclassed their competition at Whangarei Districts Rugby Sevens Tournament, beating Hora Hora 39-10 to claim the cup final.

The winners of Saturday's tournament snuck out to an early lead with two tries in the final, when Hora Hora fought back with two tries of their own in just minutes. However, Marist regained their composure and game structure, and worked their way back into the game to win comfortably.

Sixteen teams entered the tournament at Old Boys Rugby Club and while many teams put up a fight against Marist, they were too strong across the park, and won all six of their games, conceding only five tries during the day.

Led by Isa Nawaqa and coached by Donny Stevenson, Marist consisted of players with "wheels to burn and plenty of firepower", Northland Sevens coach Peter Nock said.

Brothers Billy and Jone Seveti, who are new arrivals in Northland, made a huge impact on the team, with Billy being a key playmaker, and Jone playing at outside back, making breaks with real pace. Marist coach Donny Stevenson said he was sure selectors would be interested in the pair ahead of the naming of the Northland Sevens squad, following the Moerewa Sevens Tournament on November 19.

"They have outright speed like most Fijian players have and they have a real vision about the game as well as being good defensive players," Stevenson said.

The brothers scored several tries each, while halfback Beau Dickens and hooker Nawaqa proved to be the backbone of the team, both displaying solid performances.

To reach the final, Marist defeated Kerikeri 22-0 in the semifinals. Despite the margin, Kerikeri showed potential, with Troy Lobendahn a standout. Jack McPhee had a memorable tournament for Hora Hora, who progressed to the final after beating Moerewa 33-24 in a game that could have gone either way.

Meanwhile, the Plate final was won by Hikurangi, 33-19 over Kamo, after Hikurangi beat last weekend's Kaitaia Sevens champions Muriwhenua in the semifinal.

Mid Western took out the Shield over Wellsford 38-17, while Tomarata won the Bowl final, over Dargaville Old Boys 17-0.

Moerewa's Rhys Te Nana and Wellsford's Derek Carpenter were among those Nock mentioned as putting in notable efforts throughout the day. "Some players put their hand up stating they want to be part of Northland Sevens this year which was very exciting. The quality of play was competitive and with the next two weeks of sevens, teams should understand just how fit they need to be to compete," Nock said.

This tournament was the second of four, in a revised selection process for this season's Northland Sevens squad who will prepare for the Nationals Rugby Sevens Tournament in Queenstown, during January.

Next Saturday, a tournament will be held at Wellsford Rugby Club, where Nock said a full draw was expected.