Sevens put to the sword

Making a point: Spr Gus Qasevakatini (RE) scored two tries as the Army defeated Kenya at Twickenham

Picture: Roger Thompson

A REJUVENATED Army squad suffered semi-final heartbreak in the Middlesex Sevens as they crashed to a 29-0 defeat to eventual champions Samurai International.

The Reds enjoyed fine wins over the Gilbert Pups and Kenya in the lead-up to the clash, but when they locked horns with one of the best sides money can buy they ultimately came up short.

Samurai management admitted beforehand that they had selected the cream of the IRB Sevens circuit for the event, an investment that clearly paid off with a 15-12 victory over London Irish in the final.

Twickenham again played host to the traditional curtain-raiser for the new Rugby Union season and the Army started in fine fashion.

Pte Jack Prasad (1 Scots), Spr Gus Qasevakatini (RE), LCpl Malaki Magnus (RLC) and LCpl Alosi Yamoyamo (QRL) all touched down in a 19-5 win over a strong and determined Gilbert Pups side.

Kenya, who recently defeated the All Blacks, Fiji and England, were up next and the Africans fielded a strong, lean team that was built for the sevens game.

They showed great ball skills and extreme pace throughout and opened in frenetic style against the Reds.

But a watertight defence, led by skipper LCpl Gerhard Wessels (RE), held them at bay and when some hard tackling forced a turnover Prasad ran in for a fine score from the halfway line.

Qasevakatini crossed twice, while Magnus and Pte Apo Satala (1 Scots) also touched down to seal a 28-5 win and set up the Samurai showdown.