Bet against Napier Old Boys Marist winning a first Hawke's Bay Sevens title in Waipukurau next month at your peril.
The club's remarkable run of success continued at the weekend when they won the New Zealand Marist Sevens tournament in Wellington with seven wins from as many outings including a 14-12 victory against Marist St Pat's of Wellington in the Cup final. Back in December the Sam Weber-coached team won their club's inaugural Invitation Sevens tournament with an unbeaten run and last year the club's Craig Gowler-coached 15-a-side premier team won the Nash Cup and Maddison Trophy competitions.
"Sam [Weber], Matt Wyatt and Ellery Wilson are running a fantastic sevens programme at our club. This will continue to be a priority for us until the Waipukurau tournament," Gowler said.
Former Magpie and the hero of the club's Maddison Trophy victory last year, Sam Giddens, 31, playing at hooker was an inspirational workhorse for NOBM during the weekend.
"Sam collected a calf injury at our December tournament. He had a break and he has come back rejuvenated and ready for another 15s season," Gowler said.