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Pub 7s Silverware Comes Home

Pub 7s Silverware Comes Home

Paul Harrington1 May 2016 - 23:31
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In 2015 the 7s trophies were lost to faraway, oddly named places; 'Berkshire' and 'West Sussex'. The 20th anniversary was the time to bring them back.

The 2016 Petersfield RFC Pub 7s was the 20th annual outing for this ever-popular local event and was, once again, organised impeccably by PRFC Chairman and local businessman, Stuart Barden with the continuing sponsorship of The Trooper Inn.

After last year’s record 28-squads, this year saw 21-teams turn out at Penns Place to represent pubs and restaurants from across Hampshire and neighbouring counties. Most of the teams plundered the growing numbers of PRFC’s senior squad and the rich vein of talent that runs through PRFC, including a very healthy turn-out of the table-topping Colts.

Once again the popularity and renown of the tournament brought a slew of new teams to the competition with Coomray's 7's, Hampshire Hog, Hawaii-Try-O, Irvings Breweries - Portsmouth Penguins, the Lokomotiv Lavenders and two teams from the Spotted Cow along with The Cricketers.

Unfortunately, a couple of teams pulled out at the last moment with last year’s Bowl winners the Crowthorne Sports and Social Club Bar, (Berkshire), and the anticipated Flying Bull II as no-shows. Unlike last year, therefore, there was no Shield competition.

The perennial attendees from Petersfield’s own hostelries were on show once again with The George and the Folly Wine Bar joining combat with The Black Sheep and Annie Jones, both of whom were back for their second consecutive tournament.

The Republic of Sheet put in good showing with The Queens Head making it through to the semi-finals of the Cup while Rake was represented by beaten quarter-finalists, The Flying Bull. The Thomas Lord, East Meon, and The White Horse, South Sea were back for the second time.

The rain threatened at the beginning of the week failed to materialise and the tournament was held in ideal conditions for both players and spectators alike. The day was dry and bright for the hordes of support and a cool breeze to stop the players overheating.

Penns Place once again took on a festival air as the various tribes set up their tents and gazebos and the smoke of numerous barbeques drifted in the breeze. With over 300-players and a greater number of supporters, the grounds soon became full of the buzz of conversation, cheers and jeers and the sound of competing sound-systems and, for the Clubhouse teams, a band.

As in past years, all of the teams came together in the true spirit of the occasion and, once again, the standard of play and fitness seemed to have crept further forward for both those who were in it to win it and those who played for the fun of it.

In addition to the offerings from the various hospitality tents, the spectators, partisan or otherwise, were treated to some wonderful rugby. Whilst it was clear that the players were enjoying themselves, it was equally obvious that they were giving no quarter in their approach to the games and the sound of mighty hits resounded across the turf, punctuated by shouts of encouragement from the crowd.

With none of last year’s winners in attendance, the field was wide open for some new names on the Cup, Plate and Bowl, and with it the chance to bring the silverware back into Hampshire.

With the quarter- and semi-finals taking place simultaneously across Penns Place, it was not until the finals on 1st XV pitch in front of the clubhouse all of the spectators could focus their attention in one location.

The Bowl final was the first to be played with Woody’s Bar taking on and beating first-timers, the snappily titled Irvings Brewery – Portsmouth Penguins. The Plate was then contested between 2013 Cup runner-up, Coxy’s Windmill Inn, and another first timer – albeit with some recognisable old players – Lokomotiv Lavender. This time it was the Pub 7s virgins who took the crown.

The last game of the day was the Cup final where Annie Jones - last year’s Cup runner’s up – had the hopes of Petersfield riding on them as they took on The White Horse from Southsea. Where the 2015 final had been something of a cagey affair, this year’s was a full blooded encounter.

Both teams obviously managed to their powder dry over the course of the long day’s play as the pace and precision that had seen them win through the qualifying rounds was still much in evidence. In the end, Annie Jones just had too much for their opponents, who were not helped by the yellow card that reduced them to 6-players either side of halftime.

With The White Horse having to play catch up, Anne Jones could afford to wait their time and strike on the break in the second half, which they did with devastating effect running out 45-19 winners.

Prior to the award ceremony Stuart Barden addressed the crowd and was fulsome in his praise of all of the competitors and of the refereeing team without who the event could not have taken place. He also thanked Hassan and Sarah Mantini of The Trooper Inn for their support over the years.

The fantastic advert for Pub 7s rugby was over for another year and all that remained was for Hassan and Sarah Mantini to present trophies to the winners and runners up, bringing the curtain down on another season at Petersfield RFC.

Next year will be the 21st anniversary of this popular 7s tournament – having put on the successful mini-music festival, P-Fest, to celebrate 20-years, what does the Club have in mind to celebrate the event’s coming of age. We will have to wait and see.

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