Sevens: Rangataua finally run out of steam

MOVING ON: Middlesex Sevens champions Rangataua will now turn their attention to the Bayleys Fiji Coral Coast Sevens after being knocked out in the semifinal of the plate competition at the Fitness First Central Coast Sevens.PHOTO/ SUPPLIED

Rangataua have faded after a fast start at the Fitness First Central Coast Sevens to fall at the semifinal stage of the Plate competition.

The Bay of Plenty and New Zealand's Middlesex Sevens champions had qualified for the final eight after a comeback 26-26 draw with Borneo and a 45-0 thumping of Nabua, but were subdued 26-14 by Red Rock in the quarterfinal to fall into the Plate semifinal.

Tiger Rugby squeaked home 19-12 in that contest before taking out the final against Warringah, while Red Rock went on to lose to eventual winners Daveta in the Cup semifinal.

Those results left Rangataua wondering what might have been on a weekend that will serve as a valuable learning experience ahead of a sterner test ahead.

Captain Matt Clutterbuck, speaking after his side's draw with Borneo, said the side was targeting the tournament and were not not just using it as a warm up for the upcoming Bayleys Fiji Coral Coast Sevens.

"Down 19-7 at halftime we were stoked to get back with them and to get in front it was disappointing to let it slip. A bit of impatience cost us, we just had to hold it and kicked it away.

"We got back together a month or two ago and our preparation has been good.

"This is part of preparing for Fiji but our focus is on Central Coast for now."

Coach Matua Parkinson said his side were still finding its feet after an unbeaten first day.

"We have plenty to work on - we have a young team who were a little shellshocked at the start of the day however they realised they can foot it with the big boys."

Daveta lived up to their favourites tag by winning the sixth tournament to be held in Wyong, NSW. The Fijians, featuring six past or present national players, overcame New Zealand national champions Wellington 31-19 in an enthralling final.

The score was locked at 14-14 at half-time before tries to Api Domolailai, Levani Kurimudu and Semi Kunatani sealed the A$20,000 first prize.

Canada's Maple Leafs outclassed hosts Aussie Pearls 43-7 to win the Women's Kinesio Cup while Tiger Rugby, Tribe, Sunnybank and Sydney Fiji Ranadi took home the minor prizes.

Central Coast Sevens, results
Quarter-finals: Wellington 33 Warringah 14, Yamacia 21 College Rifles 5, Daveta 19 Tiger Rugby 14, Red Rock 26 Rangataua 14.
Semifinals: Wellington 17 Yamacia 5, Daveta 24 Red Rock 12.
Final: Daveta 31 Wellington 19.
Plate, Semifinals: Warringah 21 College Rifles 14, Tiger Rugby 19 Rangataua 12.
Plate, Final: Tiger Rugby 19 Warringah 14.