It was not the send off the Northland Sevens team had hoped to give coach JT Thomas in what is likely to be his last year coaching the side, but Northland's never-give-up attitude gave Thomas something to savour.
Following a disappointing Bay of Plenty Provincial Sevens Tournament, Northland had high hopes
of improving at the weekend's 2011 National Pub Charity Sevens at Queenstown. Their aim was to make the top eight and to do that they needed two pool play wins at least.
It was not to be, however. Facing the eventual championship finalists Taranaki first up, Northland had their chances in this close game, recovering after a poor start. But they struggled to close the gap and went down 28-12.
Following a close tussle at Mount Maunganui the previous week, Northland were pumped to shut down their nemesis North Harbour. But again, inconsistent play saw Northland beaten 33-21.
With nothing left to lose, Northland poured their energy into their final pool game, and defeated Tasman 29-10, the comfortable victory granting the northerners some satisfaction.
Out of contention for making the top eight, Northland played off for the minor positions, and had two narrow losses to South Canterbury, 28-19, and Canterbury 21-19 which placed them well down in the bottom tier.
It was a disappointing end to the team's campaign, as they were a talented side which could do well if they played with consistency, Thomas said.
Thomas is handing over the reins after seven years at the helm, to spend more time with his young family.
Sevens in Northland is in good hands, with plenty of experienced and capable coaches willing to take over the role, Thomas said.
Satellite tournaments in the region were starting to happen which would hopefully see Northland back up within New Zealand's top eight sevens-playing provinces in the near future, he added.
