Stoke skipper Sam Chamberlain attempts to break the Kahurangi defence in his side's semi-final win in Motueka on Saturday. Photo: Jonty Dine.

Stoke, Mot High win 7s titles

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Motueka High’s dominance of Tasman rugby continued at the weekend as the school swept the womens sevens circuit with consecutive tournament victories.

The final leg of the Tasman Sevens played in Motueka on Saturday saw the hosts win the women’s title while Stoke claimed the men’s title.

Stoke’s scintillating attack and dogged defence saw them pip Tasman champions Waimea Old Boys 24-14 in the final while a classy Motueka High repeated the score line in its final against the same opposition.

With Renwick champions Marist failing to fire in Motueka, Waimea Old Boys claim the overall Tasman Championship while Motueka went unbeaten both weekends to add the Tasman Women Sevens trophy to its cabinet.

Motueka skipper Jess Drummond says to go undefeated in both tournaments was a “bloody good effort.”

“For a team of nine players and only having two subs, whereas other teams had more, it’s a good feeling.”

Jess ran the backline superbly while speedsters Olivia Bird and Amanda Fitisemanu threatened throughout.

“We worked really well as a team with having support in break downs and connecting with our moves.”

After failing to enter a side in the first leg of the tournament, Stoke stormed the circuit on Saturday to add the Motueka crown to the Nelson Division one title it won earlier in the year.

Stoke star Sam Chamberlain says it was a tough day of sevens footy.

“The boys are really happy, it has been a bloody enjoyable day. It was a really tough competition and we are very happy to get across the line.”

Sam says there were a number of strong sides on show and any one of them could have claimed the spoils.

Stoke drew first blood in the final but soon found itself repelling a relentless Waimea onslaught.

“We got away to a quick start, knew going to come back and they did, it was a tight final.”
Sam says his side had been training hard for the past month in preparation for the tournament but were unable to field a side in Renwick last weekend.

“Unfortunately, we couldn’t put a team together, so we just win the Mot Sevens, but the boys are really happy with the win today.”

He says strong defence ultimately earned the crown.

“Everyone remained level-headed and worked hard for each other.”

Stoke sneaked its way into the final after a dramatic semi-final against Kahurangi.

With minutes remaining Kahurangi looked set to seal the win, before a desperate tackle from behind and turnover from Stoke.

The Eagles then went 100 metres, with Sam running a beautiful line to score under the bar and take the win 14-10.

Results:
Women’s Final
Motueka High Senior 21 Waimea Old Boys 14

Men’s B Final
Riwaka 24 Valley Stags 14

Men’s Cup Final
Stoke 24 Waimea Old Boys 14