THE SCU Marlins breezed through the group stages of the North Coast 7s last Saturday at C.ex Coffs International Stadium, notching up four wins and losing to the Kempsey Cannonballs in the final.

The Marlins defeated the Cannonballs in round one in Grafton but this time the tables were turned as the boys from Kempsey stayed strong in their fifth match of the day to win round two.

With a first and second place apiece the Marlins and Cannonballs go into the third and final round in Yamba as the joint leaders and favourites for the men’s competition.

The Marlins won all of their matches in the group stages defeating Byron Bay Rugby Club, Casuarina Beaches Barbarians and Richmond Range Rugby Club to set up a semi-final clash with cross-town rivals the Coffs Harbour Snappers.

The Marlins opened the scoring with a mazy run from Pete Uikulotu who was too hot to handle as he left a trail of defenders in his wake.

Chris Watkins added to the scoreboard, breaking through the back line and sprinting the length of the pitch to score.

Ethan Duncombe dived over the try line for the Marlins and Beau Mokotupu wrapped up the match with a penetrating run down the left wing to set up another final.

Marlins captain and coach AJ Gilbert told News Of The Area it was another cracking weekend of rugby played in the right spirit.

“It was another cracking weekend for round two of the North coast 7s series, the standard of all teams definitely went up after the first round in Grafton.

“We had some solid wins over Byron Bay, Casuarina, Richmond Range and then the Snappers in the semis.

“Once again we played Kempsey in the final and it was another epic game.

“Unfortunately some horror injuries for our boys but Kempsey definitely deserved the win, we’ve quickly formed a nice healthy rivalry with the Kempsey lads but all played in the right spirit of the game.

“Going to be an epic match up for the third and final leg at Yamba in two weeks,” said Gilbert.

 

By David WIGLEY