Grove Colts dashed in 7s Semis

Grove Colts kicked off their 2015/16 season with a good outing at the Club's revived annual 7s Invitational Tournament, winning three out of four games in the pool round, coming second in the pool to ultimate tournament champions winners Chinnor A.

In the pools, Grove went from strength to strength, after a dozy start against a talented, physical and cohesive Chinnor A; seeing off local rivals and friends Abingdon, Plate winners Bracknell Gold, and Henley B.

The team were then caught napping in the first half of the Cup semi-final by Henley A, and sadly unable to spring a second half come-back. Henley A went on to lose the Cup final to the formidable Chinnor A side.

Grove coaches were pleased with the creditable performance, how well the 50:50 U17 and U18 squad as well as new-to-the-club players came together competitively for the first time, and how much potential was on display to build into promising XVs through the season. Every player in the 12-man squad stood up, with numerous outstanding individual performances across the backs and forwards.

We had planned to field two squads, but a combination of last-minute withdrawal by one club and late notice by some of our players meant we ended up entering just one, so also great credit to our players seconded to Abingdon and Henley B, and apologies to those unable to play.

The squad would like to express great thanks to the organisers (not least Roger, Nigel, Steve, Niki, Phil and all the volunteers before and on the day), the other nine squads, the refs and supporters for making a great tournament on a lovely day, and we are looking forward to the promise of an expanded 7s Invitational in September 2016 -- mark it in your calendar!

Results

Cup Final -- Chinnor A bt Henley A
(Chinnor A bt Reading Abbey)
(Henley A bt Grove)

Plate -- Bracknell Gold bt Chinnor B
(Bracknell Gold bt Bracknell Black)
(Chinnor B bt Henley B)

Bowl -- Bicester bt Abingdon

Group A: Henley A, Reading Abbey, Chinnor B, Bracknell Black, Bicester

Group B: Chinnor A, Grove, Bracknell Gold, Henley B, Abingdon

Other reports

• Chinnor Match Report