January 30, 2013 at 5:54 p.m.
No luck needed as Irish win
The Irish side, bolstered by the inclusion of three ‘ringers’ flown in from the motherland for Saturday’s Bermuda 7’s tournament, struggled through the openers but came into their own in the knockout phase.
They thrashed Police 39-0 in the semi-final before easing past Teachers 36-12 to claim the title.
Jonathan Cassidy, of the Irish team, said a little bit of luck in the group stages and some good pace and skill on the wings had helped his team to victory.
The inclusion of a trio of former Irish rugby sevens internationals in Andy Park, Johnny Lacey and Sheldon Coulter, was also a major factor with Lacey running in two tries in the final.
He was upstaged however by Bermuda based Colin Keen who got a hat-trick.
Cassidy said it has been a quality tournament with fast paced, high incident rugby over short games keeping the crowd entertained.
Dave Worsfold, Bermuda Rugby Football Union president, added: “It was a great tournament this year. Congratulations to Bermuda Irish who showed their class in the final. Thanks to all of the teams who took part and everyone who helped with the organisation.
“We will be hoping to attract a number of teams from overseas next year, and continue to increase the standard and quality of the tournament.”
Former Munster player Johnny Lacey, one of the guest stars for the Irish, said: “Sheldon, Andy and I consider ourselves extremely fortunate to have been invited to Bermuda. It's paradise.
“We'd love to come back to defend the title next year.”
He added his thanks to sponsors IPCRe Limited, the World Rugby Classic, Mike Deevy and the Bermuda Irish club.
Andy Park, one of the other guest stars, said: “The standard of play from all of the teams was much better than last year, which is great to see.
“Hopefully there will be a few more overseas teams next year, and the tournament will continue to go from strength to strength.”
His Ulster team-mate Sheldon Coulter added that the tournament had the makings of a world class event.
Renegades won the ladies event, winning every game they played in the four-team contest.[[In-content Ad]]
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