2009 Tournament Results
"The Colonel’s" Cup Final – Grammar-Carlton and Lloyd McDermott (with extracts from the Bangkok Post)
2009 Cup Winners: Grammar-Carlton
New Zealand’s Grammar-Carlton had to show real grit to defend their Bangkok International Sevens title at new rugby venue, Klong Chan Stadium last weekend.
Rod Duncan’s team, who were in their fourth appearance in the annual tournament, held off a challenge from Lloyd McDermott in an entertaining and well-contested final which saw Lloyd McDermott in front well into the second half, the come-from-behind win to conquer the Australian side 26–19 was a tribute to the side’s determination.
Grammar-Carlton had also been 14 points down in their semi-final against South Africa’s Macassar before fighting back to book their final’s berth. In their first Bangkok Sevens, Macassar thrilled the crowd with their early pace and flair, with what then looked like being a huge upset.
“We showed a lot of heart and spirit despite being down in the semi-final and the final,” said Duncan who declared the tournament was more competitive this year, but that his side had prepared well and capturing the trophy had exceeded his expectations. “This year's goal was to reach the last four because the team was a mix of young and experienced players,” he said “with many players aged around 20-21 and one just 18”.
Lloyd McDermott had earlier beaten newcomers Pacific Warriors 17-14 in the other semi-final in an improved performance after being semi-finalists last year. The Pacific Warriors boasted a trio of players who are knocking on the door of All Black Sevens selection so the win was all the more satisfying. Lloyd McDermott's Matt Sonter ended as the top scorer of the tournament with 104 points including 14 tries.
2009 Bowl Winners: Kasetsart Uni
In the BNH Hospital Men's Bowl, the title went to Kasetsart University after they beat Premier Assassins from London 26-19 to record a good win for Thai teams.
2009 Plate Winners: Singapore CC 7s
Then, after three close, lead-up finals games against Thonburi University, Thai Police and Don Muang Airforce, RBAC University lost the John Stamp Men's Plate title to Singapore CC 7s 48-0 in what turned out to be a one-way affair.
2009 Women’s Cup Winners: Olimp
The Beaumont Partnership Women’s Sevens, Kazakhstan’s Olimp won the title after beating Arabian Gulf Ladies 20-14 in a fast-paced and tough encounter. Both teams had a relatively easy progression through their quarter and semi-finals and with differing styles of play, spectators were treated to a fine display of fast-flowing rugby in the final. Jenny Thompson from the UAE side was the top women’s scorer with nine tries in the women’s event.
Bangkok Sevens chairman David Dufall said he was extremely satisfied with the success of the tournament with a strong blend of new-comers to Bangkok joining those who have played here a number of times. “The overall competitiveness and standard of play in the tournament continues on an upward trend which can only enhance the development of Thai players and their clubs and sits well with the aims of the Thai Rugby Union in concentrating on Sevens rugby” he added.
In a plug for Thailand and the Bangkok Sevens, he added that as a well recognised rugby destination Thailand and the Bangkok Sevens continues to attract international clubs first, for top-level competition and also to enjoy Thai hospitality, a combination which is hard to beat.
