Media Release

Gordon Rugby Club Wins Kiama 7’s Tournament

Gordon has won the Kiama 7’s Rugby tournament on the weekend defeating international team Tonga Auckland in the grand final. Gordon opened the game with two unanswered tries to Atu Vee and Darren Firmin with Australian sevens and Gordon No.10 David Harvey converting. By half time the Highlanders outfit had raced to commanding 22-5 lead. On the other side of the break the devastation continued with joint players of the tournament Donovan Nepia and Ritchie Retinama thrilling the crowd with electrifying play and individual brilliance. Both players crossed the line in the second stanza to seal the victory with a final score of 40-5.

Head Coach Lachlan Fear was pleased with the result “having not trained for the tournament the outcome was extremely satisfying, particularly with the players combinations at this early stage.” This is his second Kiama 7’s win in 3 years having won the trophy while coaching Warringah in 2005. The hard edged coach believes this has set the benchmark for the year. Vinnie Byrne, co-captain of the Gordon 7’s also won the trophy with coach Fear in 2005. “This is the most complete sevens side I have ever played in. To go through undefeated with that amount of for and against points is unbelievable. I think our defence won us the tournament, especially against the bigger teams” said Byrne.

Gordon completely dismantled all opposition in a dazzling display of speed and skill, scoring one of the tournaments highest points total in history. They amassed 229 points in 6 matches and had only 1 try scored against them, averaging a massive 38 points per game. This figure is even more impressive when you consider the quality of opposition they faced. On their way to the final the Highlanders downed premiership teams Warringah, Eastern Suburbs and Parramatta.

This win is great for the Highlanders as a good result in Kiama, as history suggests, will result in a strong premiership campaign for the fast approaching 2007 Season. The Club is currently giving potential sponsors an opportunity to join the Highlanders as a Jersey sponsor this year and is thrilled at the success the 2007 team has already produced.

Kiama 7’s is said to be the unofficial start of the NSW Rugby season and in this World Cup year the Highlanders are off to an impressive start.