Counties Manukau take out inaugural 7s tournament

Counties Manukau and Frazer-Tech provided an action packed final in the inaugural Auckland 7s championship over the weekend, with Counties taking out the new competition's title with a 28-19 win.

Played over two days, the competition had Waikato and Wellington entering both provincial and club teams. Fraser-Tech Blue, coached by Dean Gage, brought their best 12 to Auckland to play alongside the Waikato side to enable Waikato coach Roger Randle to narrow down his training squad prior to the nationals in Queenstown.

Played at Marist North Harbour's fields, event organiser Melita Martorana needed to do some last minute draw adjustments with two Auckland teams pulling out due to injuries after returning from overseas.   Despite the last minute adjustments, it was a great weekend of 7s action says Martorana. "I'm already planning next year. We had interest from several overseas teams - both men and women - so would like to see a full section of sixteen men's teams and of course, a women's section."

Results
Cup Final: Counties Manukau 28 Frazer Tech 19

Cup 3/4 Place: Waikato RFU 24 North Shore RFC 5

Plate Final: Wellington RFU 36 Upper Hutt RFC 24

Plate 3/4 place: Western Pioneers 26 Hutt OB Marist 19