Sandys takes two Somersfield Sevens rugby titles

Anyone who has played or been involved in rugby can attest to the hugely positive effect it has on the lives it touches.

Rugby is tough and it is skillful, it is physically and mentally demanding, dynamic and exciting and brings out the best in people of all ages.

One of rugby’s unique qualities is that players of all shapes, sizes, skills and abilities have different roles to play on the pitch and as a result a complete cross-section of kids get to play the wonderful game of rugby.

Rugby Sevens is perhaps the ultimate display of rugby.

It is an exciting, fast paced and less attritional version of the full game and requires just seven players to form a team and they play two seven minute periods.

It is now an Olympic Sport and it has been a Commonwealth sport for some time.

Teams like Samoa, India, Namibia and other lower ranked rugby countries have the opportunity to mix it with the Kiwis and the Aussies.

Rugby sevens is set to grow, and one day will probably outstrip fifteens.

To play the full-sided version of rugby you need lineout’s and scrums and you just can't create them in a park, on a sunny day with your friends.

But you can with sevens. Rugby Sevens fits perfectly with what we are trying to achieve through the school's Rugby programme  — expand the participation of rugby in the schools at all levels across the island.

Somersfield Sevens

There was a revival of this entertaining rugby format at Somersfield Academy on December 9th 2010. The idea was the brain child of Garth Lorimer-Turner ably assisted by Patrick Topley and his Mariners colleagues and Dave Crofts.

The Sevens tournament had participation from the following schools at three age groups (U12, U14 and U16) – Sandy’s, Saltus, BHS, Somersfield with Whitney Institute and Bermuda Institute also having players represented on the teams above.

The event was well attended by parents, friends, students, coaches and school teachers and the core values of rugby union (teamwork, discipline, enjoyment, respect and sportsmanship) were on display throughout the tournament. The games were both competitive and played in a good spirit with all players taking pride in representing their schools.

There were many memorable moments.

* The first rugby competition for BHS senior year! A boys team who started training briefly before the competition and are to be commended for entering a team - many members of the team noted they will now play more regularly.

* Sandys Middle school had the furthest and most arduous journey to the tournament — travelling by public bus to and from the game and went home with two of the trophies.

* Somersfield recruited a number of their players on the day with shirts, sneakers, rugby shorts and mouth guards being provided at a moment’s notice!

* Saltus, one of the strongholds of Bermuda rugby impressed everyone with their team’s performance and input from coach Phil Heap newly arrived on the island and Robbie Dickinson.

It would also be remiss not to give a huge thanks to the many people whose greatly appreciated support contributed to a memorable day of rugby.

* Somersfield team who support the rugby programme

* Coaches and Gym teachers at the participating schools

* Boys for taking the time to train and participate

* Barritts for the refreshments

* Parents and children who came out to support the teams

The Tournament uncovered some new talent, increased interest in the sport and this we hope will contribute to the continued growth of the game of rugby in Bermuda.

There has been a keen interest from a number of schools who require some assistance to ramp up their rugby programmes and the hope is that they will be ready for an end of season sevens tournament in March.

If your school requires assistance with their rugby programme, please contact Michael Montgomery at [email protected] and we will be more than happy to assist.