With the sun shining and top class international rugby 7s on display, the crowd poured into the Greene King IPA Haberden in their droves at Bury St Edmunds Rugby Club as the British Army won the ninth annual Greene King IPA 7s tournament.
Described by organisers as the best line-up of teams in the tournament history, the event welcomed national and Premiership rugby teams including England, Ireland, Northampton Saints and Worcester Warriors.
Selected this year as the first event in the Super Sevens Series, the most prestigious rugby 7s competition in the United Kingdom, the Greene King IPA 7s attracted not only high calibre players but well-known guest coaches too.
Former England player Peter Richards led specialist rugby 7s team, the Samurai Baracudas, whilst England Rugby League legend Joe Lydon and former Ireland player Kevin Maggs were guest coaches for the Ireland squad.
Two competitions ran concurrently during the day, an Elite one for specialist teams and an Open one for development and local sides.
The British Army triumphed over reigning champions, Samurai Baracudas, 36-5.
The well-disciplined and powerful Army team executed a clinical victory, against a strong-looking Baracudas outfit.
Also succumbing to the Army team’s strength and agility were England Development side in the semi-final stage, whilst Ireland Wolfhounds lost 19-24 in the quarter finals to J9 Bears.
In the open competition, Bury Barbarians reached the cup final, coming up against Samurai Bulldog Reds.
In a rollercoaster of a match that saw the Barbarians trail then lead to the delight of the crowd, they were eventually defeated in extra time, 29-24.
Plate winners, Navy Sharks triumphed over Stunts 26-19 in the final.
Club Chairman Michael Robinson said: “This has been the highest standard tournament it’s ever been.
“The quality of the rugby on display has been world class, an absolute treat for spectators. Thank you to the army of volunteers who have worked tirelessly to make this event so successful.”
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