An extra-time try to Elliot Watson secured the Havelock North Colts Sevens side their third consecutive tournament title in as many weeks on Saturday.
Watson's try, following a breakout from fellow Karamu High School product Matt Hill, gave Havelock North a 17-12 win against Upper Hutt in the Colts finalat the annual Greytown Sevens. The previous week Havelock North won the Colts title at the annual Hawke's Bay Sevens in Waipukurau and, on February 11, the Tom Blake-coached side won the Open title at the Wairoa Sevens.
"We were unbeaten in all three tournaments and Saturday's win was an awesome finish to a memorable campaign. The final was between two even teams and we had opportunities to finish the match before extra time but didn't take them," Blake said.
"What makes this even more of an achievement is the fact all of our players are eligible for Colts play next year and we had four players of Colts age playing up in our premiers," Blake said.
New Zealand Secondary Schools Sevens team member Trinity Spooner was used sparingly because of illness and speedster Sam McNicol was a late withdrawal on Friday night because of illness. Hamish Pyne, Ben Smith and the Paewai brothers, Jesse and Kalin, again indicated they have huge potential in Sevens with their form on Saturday which saw Havelock North record four wins in a five-team round robin.
A try on the hooter by New Zealand star Tomasi Cama gave Pacific Warriors a 26-21 win against Havelock North in the final of the eight-team premier segment of the tournament. Ihaia West performed well for Havelock North despite illness and Magpies winger Gillies Kaka made the most of his opportunities.
Another Havelock North speedster, Shannan Chase, ran around Cama with ease on several occasions. A month ago, he did the same to former All Black winger Hosea Gear at the Mount Maunganui Sevens.
