THE SCU Marlins won the North Coast 7s Colourworks Cup in the final round at Yamba on 4 December.

The Marlins went into the final round tied with the Kempsey Cannonballs on 41 points and clinched the series when they overcame Casuarina in the semi finals and Kempsey went down to Byron Bay Rugby Club.

Coach and captain AJ Gilbert told News Of The Area the semi final win against Casuarina was crucial.

“Going into the last tournament in Yamba it was Kempsey and ourselves who were on top and we have formed a great little rivalry over the series.

“After some pretty serious injuries in Coffs it really tested our depth and resilience; however we were all primed and ready to go, looking like we were going to face them in the final again.

“However after their (Kempsey) loss to Byron in the semi final, all we had to do was to beat Casuarina in the semi and whether we won or lost the final didn’t matter.

“Simply finishing above them (Kempsey) was enough to win the series, we arguably put on our best performance of the series in that semi against Casuarina to take out the Colourworks Cup.

“We had our opportunities in the final to close out the game even with only six on the field for the majority of the game, to win the last final would have been the cherry on top but credit to Byron, they held their nerve.

“(I am) extremely proud of the playing group for how hard they have worked and with Beau Mokotupu and Chris Watkins making the North coast 7s dream team,” said AJ.

SCU Marlins President Chris Rowthorne was thrilled with the win.

“The SCU Marlins were thrilled to make their third consecutive final at the North Coast 7’s held in Yamba.

“The Marlins won the coveted Colourworks Cup and proved to be the most consistent side of the 6 week tournament.

“In an epic final for the ages the Marlins trailed 14-7 at half time after multiple yellow cards for both sides tested the fatigue levels and a red for the Marlins late in the half meant they would play with six players for the rest of the game.

“In a see-sawing battle the scores finished even at full time at 19 all and the Byron player missed the conversion after the siren to win.

“Golden point saw an end to end battle result in a runaway try to Byron Bay to see them win their first final of the tournament.

“We are so happy to win the inaugural Colourworks Cup and equally as thrilled for our women’s team making their first semi final and narrowly missing out on a Grand Final appearance,” said Chris.

 

By David WIGLEY