The Secondary School Sevens Season has exploded on to the scene with some exciting action over the past few weeks. Some of Auckland’s dominant 7s schools took another step forward while we also welcomed new schools to the fold too.

Mount Albert Grammar takes 3 out of 4 Sevens Titles

Open Grade:

In the 2018 Open Tournament was held at Waitemata Rugby Club, with 14 Boys teams to complement the 10 Girls teams the tournament, it was a day packed of exciting 7’s rugby.

Throughout the day there were some stand out fixtures with teams that progressed into the latter stages of the tournament. The boys first semi-final contested by Sacred Heart and Kelston Boys was one of these. With time expired and scores level at 20-all both teams had opportunities to steal it at the death. In extra time Kelston Boys didn’t waste any time and scored quickly to secure their spot in the final.

The second semi-final was between Mount Albert Grammar and a youthful Aorere College.  Mount Albert Grammar topped their pool and were one of the teams looking sharp throughout the day. In the semi-final MAGS were too strong and took advantage of a 5-man Aorere College side after repeated infringements lead to two yellow cards, 22–12.

The Boys final was a back and forth fixture with no team taking complete control, Kelston Boys after their extra time efforts in the semi-final looked to start strong early but, from that point the score changed numerous time until the final whistle where Mount Albert Grammar held on to a 19-17 victory.

In the Girls Open Grade, the top two teams throughout pool play, Howick and Mount Albert Grammar meet in arguably the best game of the day. Howick College missing a few girls due to national representative duties ran out to a big lead in the final, Mount Albert fought their way back into the contest and squared up the ledger on full time at 31-all, to force the game into extra time. Extra time was short lived with Mount Albert scoring with their first possession of the ball to win and join the boys counterparts as Open 7’s Champion’s 36-31.

Open Teams Qualifying for Condors:

Under 15 Sevens

The Under 15’s Seven’s tournament was also held at Waitemata Rugby Club the week following the open grade.  With a record 20 boys teams on show, both De La Salle and MAGS topped their respective pools. De la Salle turned away local rivals Otahuhu College 29-10 in the first semi, while MAGS followed suit halting a very strong Kelston Boys High School team, 19-14.

Mount Albert Grammar emerged to claim the Boys Auckland U15 Championship. The final was a tough battle, going right down to the final whistle. Mount Albert used their athletic ability and 7’s knowledge to claim a 26-14 victory.

In the Girls Under 15 grade, Southern Cross Campus finished the day on top beating a very skilled One Tree Hill side 31-5. Southern Cross Campus scored a remarkable 133 points throughout the day and were deserved winners.

A huge thank you goes out to Hannah and the team at Waitemata for hosting both of these superb events.