Both teams won all four of their pool matches and progressed past Samurai and France in the semis to set up a tense and captivating final. With just over two weeks until the squad of 12 is named for the Olympics, it was evident how much was at stake.
Head Coach Simon Amor said: “It was an amazing day with some outstanding individual and team performances. In the last game, with the Lions and the Royals going toe to toe, the competitive edge and the quality of the rugby was of the highest level and I’m absolutely delighted.
“Both teams were pushing for the win, you could see how much the outcome meant to them. Individuals clearly wanted to perform well but it was the team win that they desperately wanted and that was clear in the way the Lions celebrated their victory at the end. It was brilliant, it shows how close all the guys have become in a short space of time and that, combined with brilliant individual displays, is what you want as a coach.”
GB Sevens play at the Mitsubishi Motors Exeter Sevens this weekend (9-10 July) before travelling to Gdynia, Poland (16-17 July) for the third round of the Rugby Europe Grand Prix Series.
“We have learned a lot more today about how different players operate with each other,” said Amor. “It was also great to see Charlie Hayter and James Rodwell back in the mix and Joseva Nayacavou bringing his x-factor. It gives Gareth and I plenty to think about over the coming days as we focus preparations now on Exeter.”
With five games in one day, and a final that kicked off at 9.45pm, Sevens and the City provided a demanding schedule and Amor added: “We saw that those who have played a lot of sevens recently were physically and mentally well prepared for that.
“For those who are returning to the sevens game it was a brilliant learning curve for them and I was really pleased with how they mentally coped and adapted to the process of having five warm ups, games and warm downs – five lots of switch on and switch off. I’ve been really impressed with the attitude and approach of the full squad today. It sets us up for a fascinating week ahead.”
Mark Robertson got the Lions off to the better start in the final with an impressive individual try from broken play in the opening minute, converted by skipper Luke Treharne.
The Royals were quick to respond with Dan Bibby kicking and chasing downfield to score. Tom Mitchell provided the additional two points to draw level.
With both teams showing plenty of intent in attack, James Rodwell wrestled over from a few metres out before Robertson scored his second, taking it to 17-7.
Sam Cross edged the Royals closer in the second half when he finished off a Dan Norton break and Mitchell’s conversion took his side to within three points.
With two minutes left the Lions pulled further ahead through Lee Jones, who showed good strength to reach over in the corner, before Gavin Lowe finished the job for the Lions touching down with the final play of the game.
GB Lions
Richard de Carpentier, Charlie Hayter, Lee Jones, Warwick Lahmert, Gavin Lowe, Ruaridh McConnochie, Joseva Nayacavou, Scott Riddell, Mark Robertson, James Rodwell, Luke Treharne (Capt), Marcus Watson
Results:
GB Lions 10-7 Samurai
GB Lions 46-0 v Barbados
GB Lion 33-0 Wales
Semi Final:
GB Lions 19-5 France: Tries: de Carpentier, Treharne, Watson; Convs: Treherne (2)
Final:
GB Lions 27-14 GB Royals
Tries: Robertson (2), Rodwell, Jones, Lowe: Con: Treharne
GB Royals
Cory Allen, Mark Bennett, Dan Bibby, Phil Burgess, Sam Cross, James Davies, Alex Davis, Alex Gray, Ollie Lindsay-Hague, Tom Mitchell (Capt), Luke Morgan, Dan Norton
Results:
GB Royals 43-0 Italy
GB Royals 40-14 France
GB Royals 24-0 England
Semi-final
GB Royals 19-0 Samurai
Tries: Burgess (2), Norton; Con: Mitchell (2)
Final:
GB Lions 27-14 GB Royals
Tries: Bibby, Cross: Con: Mitchell (2)
