Bury Rugby Sevens report: Saracens lift elite tournament title

The Bury Barbarians on the attack against the Samurai Academy PICTURE : Andy Abbott (Image: Archant)

The annual tournament, now in its 10th year, didn’t disappoint, with organisers saying the standard of rugby was astonishingly high.

The Bury Barbarians on the attack against the Dambusters PICTURE : Andy Abbott (Image: Archant)

Premiership giants Saracens proved their credentials by winning the elite tournament, capping their showing with a convincing 40-0 triumph in the final match against tournament favourites Samurai Rugby to walk away with the cup.

The Army Reds on the attack against the Bears. Picture : ANDY ABBOTT (Image: Archant)

Both teams were victors though with Samurai finishing top of the Bounce Super Sevens Series leaderboard at the end of this, the first of four tournaments in the UK, while Saracens were an invitational side for the Suffolk event.

The BLK Hurricanes try to stop the Ramblin Jesters. Picture: ANDY ABBOTT (Image: Archant)

Several high profile sevens players were in action, including USA Olympian Andrew Durutalo, but it was his Samurai teammate Robbie Smith who was crowned Player of the Tournament.

The BLK Hurricanes try to stop the Ramblin Jesters. Picture: ANDY ABBOTT (Image: Archant)

Last year’s winners, British Army 7s, put up a valiant fight for the title, only losing narrowly to the eventual winners 29-24 in the semi-finals, whilst Oxfam won the elite plate final against Scimitar Storm.

The Old Framlinghamians stopped by the Titans. Picture: ANDY ABBOTT (Image: Archant)

Meanwhile, in the open tournament, the crowd were treated to a final between home side Bury Barbarians, sponsored by DJ Evans, and Samurai Academy.

Crowds enjoy the action and sunshine! Picture: ANDY ABBOTT (Image: Archant)

Despite an impressive try in the final minute of the game by Barbarians’ Andrew Devoy, it wasn’t quite enough to claim victory from Samurai, who finished 21-14 to the good and lifted the Open title.

There was a huge turnout for the Bury Sevens in ther sunshine. Picture: ANDY ABBOTT (Image: Archant)

Speaking at the end of the tournament, Bury chairman Mike Robinson said: “It is a huge pleasure to host this event, putting Bury St Edmunds on the world stage for sevens rugby.

The Scimitar Storm players try to stop the Apache Braves. Picture: ANDY ABBOTT (Image: Archant)

“Our thanks to our sponsors Greene King without whom we couldn’t put on such an event, Super Sevens Series sponsor Bounce, Samurai Sportswear and many more.

The Army Reds on the attack against the Bears. Picture: ANDY ABBOTT (Image: Archant)

“I am humbled by our army of volunteers who worked tirelessly to make it such a success. As a club we are a family and it is days like these that prove it.”

The Jamaica Crocs warm up. Picture: ANDY ABBOTT (Image: Archant)