Breathtaking rugby, strong crowd numbers and impressive performances from the local teams meant the inaugural Blackwater Rugby 7’s was a success in every aspect of the tournament. Blackwater Basilisks sevens director Teran McCasker could not have been happier with the maiden event. “It was wonderful, a huge success,” McCasker said. “It all ran smoothly.” McCasker said the champion team from Fiji was head and shoulders above all the other competitors. “The eventual winners, Island Breeze, were a class above everyone else,” he said. “They were true athletes.” He said Island Breeze gave the crowd a show of rugby they would not soon forget. “They were the favourite team on the day, supporter-wise,” he said. “When they got the ball you didn’t know what was going to happen.” But both the Basilisks’ A and B sides flew the home flag with pride and returned fantastic results as well. “The A-team went really well in the pool games,” McCasker said. Blackwater A claimed third place in the tournament with four wins from five games, including a 40 – 7 thumping of Frenchville. They were unfortunate to meet Island Breeze in their semi-final, which ended their hopes of a home victory in the tournament. Blackwater B then finished strongly to end as runner-ups in the Plate division after two wins and three losses. “From the Club’s point of view we’re extremely happy with the way both teams performed,” McCasker said. “They did better than expected.” McCasker was most pleased with the attendance figure for the tournament. “We would’ve had about 250 people through the gates,” he said. “It was pretty good to see that sort of attendance. Hopefully the generates a bit more interest for the club.” After such a memorable debut for the Blackwater Rugby 7’s, the Basilisks are hoping it can become a permanent fixture for years to come. “That’s what we’re aiming for,” McCasker said. "We’ve already started talking about next year’s tournament.
Blackwater Herald, Zac Luke, 18/03/2014