Another step in the learning curve for warriors
SIDE: CAMASOKO, ISOA, TOLOI, LIQAIRI, NIXON, RATABACACA, RABULI, WALTER, SAULA,
Today the Raging Bull Ronin warriors academy side played their 2nd 7s event of the season at the stoneygate 7s in Leicester.
The day was yet another cold wet and windy day with playing an expansive style of sevens very difficult. Once again despite the weather and distance family and friends had made the long trip down from Blackpool, Birmingham and Nuneaton. The wives of rabuli and ratabacaca had been busy the night before making sandwiches and refreshments and I had brought the gazebo which survived well in the windy conditions so the admin was set. The weather was such to the these boys that have just spent 6 months in the deserts of Afghanistan that initially the warm up was conducted inside the tropical atmosphere that had been created inside the team mini bus.
Once ready we were drawn against our first opponents of the day, “JIMMIES”. The 10 teams had been split into 2 leagues of 5 and the top 2 going through into a main cup semi final.
A slow start with a ball that appeared to be made more from dove soap rather than Gilbert had all concerned a little worried but the class and potential of the side shoe through and some electric breaks down the wing from isoa and toloi and the driving runs of rabuli and liqairi broke jimmies down and a convincing victory was well on the cards.
With a steady hour between each game it was time to get back into the tropical haven of the mini bus. Little Charlie who is so accustomed now to these tournaments was enjoying the atmosphere (and the sandwiches).
The next game was to be against much favoured LEICESTER TIGERS development team. Knowing that this game would shape the day the boys went out with a blast and gave the tigers boys no room to move. A sterling effort and great pressure allowed the warriors to put 2 tries on the board to 3 in return. However with constant pressure on the tiger’s line it appeared that we could snatch a win. However it wasn’t to be and going down a respectable 17-10 gives promising signs that the team has the ability to mix with the best.
The game after was swapped due to a local drop out, so the final must win group game was against a strong Hinckley outfit. However with the combinations now clicking it was always going to be one clear winner. With a large margin the warriors sailed into the semis against a Loughborough uni side that are well renowned for there playing prowess. This therefore sadly it was a game to far and the warriors knowingly having made a few simple errors that cost them a final spot went home with their heads held high.
The warriors have been developing well as a side and only extra game time and experience will tell but id place a bet now that this team on its own merit will be a team to reckon with in the very near future.
Thanks to Ledua Camasoko again for getting the boys ready, Danny, Adam and his family, bob Ryan all for travelling to support the team again. The next time the warriors are in action is at the Nottingham solstice 7s.
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