| The tournament opened brightly for the Saints, as Rhodri Davies scored two tries and two conversions to open up a 14-nil lead over St George Samurai. But the invitational side, ran by England Sevens coach Mike Friday and containing several prospects for national honours, fought back. Tries by Jonathan Hempey, Ben Foden and Will Matthews, two of which converted by Foden, earned St George a 19-14 victory.
The second group match against hosts North Walsham was more straightforward. Tom Tombleson and captain Andy Vilk (2) grabbed first-half tries, two of which Davies converted. But there was a scare early in the second half when Walsham scored through Pena Sokie. Tombleson settled nerves with a long-range second though, and with the 24-5 win Saints were through to the cup quarterfinals.
This encounter, against another invitational side the Scorpions, was hard-fought and error-strewn, caused largely by a passing shower minutes before kick-off. Vilk was first to conquer the conditions, scoring a try and conversion to open up a 7-nil lead. He also showed the form that has earned him England Sevens honours this season by excelling in defence, along with Davies and Matt Goode.
All three pulled off try-saving tackles, but none could prevent Richard Carter’s second-half breakaway try for the Scorpions. Austin Howell converted to tie the scores, and with Davies’ last-minute penalty miss the match went into sudden death extra-time.
An element of luck was needed, and Scorpions got it after Matthew Nuttall’s show and go had forced a five-metre scrum from the Saints line. And when the ball went to ground, it bounced kindly for Carter. Tom Elliot’s best efforts couldn’t prevent Carter scoring in the corner, and Scorpions put Saints out of the competition.
Squad – Andy Vilk (capt), Grant Seely, Matt Goode, Rhodri Davies, Tom Tombleson, Brett McNamee, Iona Sipa, Tom Elliot, Ben Jones, Drew Locke.
Team Manager – Neil Starling.
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