Losing to the USA in the quarter-final seemed to go against the run of play. Team GB won the first half 7-5, but failed to capitalise on their advantage and saw USA score two tries in the second half to win the game.
The game of sevens requires a different skillset to the 15s game; even players like myself used to enjoy the space that playing sevens opened up for us. It allowed us to run with the ball rather than being in a constant physical battle to secure it for the backs to either drop or knock on, or occasionally run with.
It's a pity there seems to be fewer sevens competitions than when I played. Sevens was a signal that the season was coming to an end, with clubs at all levels holding competitions, it was really like a fun day out.
It's good to see that the Middlesex Sevens have at last recovered from Covid and have renewed the competition which next season will include a women's team section as well.
I was the guest speaker at the Essex County Dinner last week and was pleased to see the increase in the number of women's teams winning awards and it was good to meet a mixture of players male and female representing many clubs from across the county.
Speaking to some of the club presidents it became apparent that the increase in women playing in the grassroots game has made a huge impact on club finances, by replacing a number of teams lost at that level in the men's game due to the declining number of men taking part in the game.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
England can find a little bit of cheer
SO HERE we are on the final day of England’s autumn international series with all of us hoping and expecting Steve Borthwick’s team to win today after three weeks of bitter disappointment.
Stop messing with Marcus - Campese
DAVID Campese believes England are going backwards under Steve Borthwick, who is ‘messing around’ with talisman Marcus Smith.
Being a Lion was the highlight of my career
I PLAYED 19 games and scored 219 points for the Lions, on the tours to South Africa in 1968 and New Zealand in 1971, but I never played in a Test and that was fair enough.
Cook's crew not fazed as they eye tilt at top half
THERE appear to be few signs of second season syndrome at Westcombe Park as captain Nick Cook reveals the group aren’t even contemplating the threat of relegation and are instead targeting a top-half finish.
Forwards pack a punch for the Reds
OLD Redcliffians produced a proud defensive effort to take a bonus-point win.
Tom 'Ailes' the achievements of inspirational skipper Riley
SEDGLEY Park No. 8 Tom Ailes says his team relish the competitive nature of National One and is confident the Tigers can rectify their rocky start to the season in weeks to come.
Strachan confident Ampthill will be firing again soon
FRASER Strachan is determined to put Ampthill’s leaky defensive showings behind them and gain some much needed confidence in the run up to Christmas.
It's a whole new ball game for Rigg
WILL Rigg’s ambition was to become a professional cricketer but it is the oval ball rather than The Oval that is his driver now.
Scarratt leads the way for Lightning
LOUGHBOROUGH won a wet and windy East Midlands Derby after having the bonus point in the bag by half-time.
Becconsall: We need to release pressure
WILL Becconsall says Exeter are not spooked by the threat of relegation as they look to turn around their Premiership campaign after starting with six straight defeats.