IVYBRIDGE RFC successfully hosted the South Devon Sevens tournament over the weekend.
The event, organised by Bridgers head coach Gareth Elliott, attracted 20 teams – eight in the open contest, eight in the social competition and four women’s sides.
The two men’s tournaments took place over two days, with the women’s held over one. Teams were able to camp overnight and there was outdoor entertainment courtesy of DJs Brad Legge and Amy Frier.
Elliott is now hoping to make it a regular event on the rugby calendar.
“I have been interested in doing a sevens event for a number of years,” said Elliott.
“Apart from Newquay Sevens there’s not too much around the South West.”
He added: “When we set the date we hoping we would be clear of Covid, but we were still able to hold it regardless.
“I thought it was a good opportunity to give people a chance to play in a proper sevens tournament. It also helps the club as well.
“I was pleasantly surprised at how happy everyone was with it. There was a lot of good feedback from the teams involved and the spectators who came to watch – and that was even with the weather, which wasn’t that great, especially on the second day.
“People seemed to enjoy themselves – it was a good weekend.
“We will now look at how we can make it even better and keep improving.”
The open event was won by the RAF, who edged out Vipers in the final. Vipers had been unbeaten in their pool games on the Saturday, but the RAF, who had only progressed into the cup competition on tries scored, found their form on the Sunday.
Hurn Airport Windsocks won the open plate competition.
VK Vikings took the social cup title, with Inglorious Bastareauds claiming the social plate prize.
Ivybridge dominated the women’s competition. Both their teams – Poison Ivy and Scrum & Coke – reached the cup final, where Poison Ivy took the honours.
Tonbridge Juddians were the women’s plate winners, beating The Cocktails in that final.
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