OK so it’s not the Trophy we were aiming for, but the boys should be rightly proud of their efforts at HQ on Saturday afternoon.

Eddie Jones went on record at the start of the summer saying; “We want to win the Middlesex Sevens and we’ll be putting out our best team,” but even he must have had a sharp inhale of breath through gritted teeth when he saw that we had been drawn against the Army in the first round of a new-look Middlesex 7’s tournament.

The British Army team was packed full of Fijian sevens specialists (and their one token Brit), had won many tournaments already this year, and had a pedigree in the tournament, having won in both 2001 and 2004. It was therefore understandable that they started the day joint favourites (with Quins) with the bookies. However Saracens had a formidable team of its own, including six squad members with experience on the IRB Sevens circuit. The match up was clearly the mouth-watering pick of the first round encounters.

It was therefore a bit disappointing that both teams obviously forgot to have their ‘Three Shredded Wheat for breakfast,’ both failed to come out with all cylinders firing. The Army got the first score and were two tries to the good before Del touched down just before half time. The second half pretty much mirrored the first with 2 tries to one for the Army. On a brighter note the second Saracens try was scored by Academy youngster Dan Caprice, who had an amazing day. With his Cato-esque speed and eye for a space this 18 year old wing is definitely one-to-watch in the future. We do need a nick-name for him though, as there were far too many ‘busty blonde’ jokes circulating the West stand. The Army won the match 22-12 however, thanks to a new format Sarries were down, but not out as they went on to the quarter finals of the Plate.

Next up for Sarries was a Josh Lewsey coached Wasps squad. If you believed the pre-tournament hype and the day’s program, The Pests should have been easily the strongest side in the competition, boasting such names as Rees, Haskell and Walder. Yet, despite rumours of the England stars being spotted on the in-field, the actual squad that took to the pitch was very different, and must have boasted an average age of about 8. They were like lambs-to-the-slaughter as a rejuvenated Saracens side ran in tries for fun, posting up 6, including another two from Caprice. Sprout III was doing the kicking, and he went from a 100% failure rate in the first half, to 100% success in the second. Job done. Sarries win 34-10, and, despite the difference in the squads fielded it is always an ABSOLUTE JOY to trounce any team of reprobates that chose to throw on a Wasps jersey.

It was then Onwards-and-upwards for the Saracens squad as they prepared to meet Bris in the Semi. It was by now clear that Saracens were the class team of Plate competition. So another match; and another five more tries (to Bristol’s two). The 31-12 result had a certain air of inevitability about it, and Sarries were through to face Northampton Saints in the final.

The final started brightly enough, A Brace of Tries for Russell and one for Saracens very own ‘Captain Fantastic’ Seymour saw Sarries take a big lead, which silenced the Saints fans, sitting on the adjoining part of the West Terrace to the Sarries support. The Saints managed to poach one back though and spent a good few minutes of the second half (which is a hell of a long time in 7’s rugby) deep in Saracens half and attacking their defensive line. N’Hampton were moving the ball wide from one side to the other and they looked certain to score. Knowing how quickly momentum can change in 7’s the Fez were at this point biting their finger nails.

Then came the defining moment of the final, one of those moments when you know the game was won. One of the Sinners, on another wide attack, put a foot into touch. It was close, and even the TV commentators questioned the call, but replays showed the Touch Judge had made absolutely the right decision. Well Done that Man (The fact he is also a blood relation to one of the most loyal Fez is a beautiful coincidence). The Saints resurgence was quashed. Sarries moved out of their defensive end, and Russell scored another for his hat trick. Final Whistle and the 26-7 score-line didn’t really do justice to how Saints played.

Whoo-Hooo – Congratulations must be heaped on Richard Graham and the Squad.  We had won The Plate (Although someone should tell the tournament organisers what a plate actually looks like), and, as Dave held it high above his head the Fez were left elated and with real optimism this will not be the last bit of silverware we see this season. 

Saracens Middlesex 7s squad

Dave Seymour ©, Ben Skirving, Don Barrell, Francisco Leonelli, Edd Thrower, Brent Russell, Richard Haughton, Kameli Ratuvou, Jackson Wray, Mike Stanley , James Short, Dan Caprice

Rd 1: British Army 22, Saracens 12

Army: Tries: Lee (2), Satala, Mangus. Conv: Rokoduguni

Saracens: Tries: Haughton, Caprice. Conv: Russell.

Plate Quarter Final: Saracens 34, Wasps 10

Saracens: Tries: Caprice (2), Russell, Ratavou, Leonelli, Barrell (we think). Conv: Russell (2)

Wasps: Tries: Bishay, Honeyben

Plate Semi-Finals: Saracens 31, Bristol 12.

Saracens: Tries: Haughton Caprice, Short, Thrower. Conv: Russell (3).

Bristol: Tires: Lemi, Robinson. Conv: Lemi

Plate Final: Saracens 26, N’Hampton Saints 7

Saracens: Tries. Russell (3), Seymour. Conv: Russell (3)

Saints: Try: Greenhalgh. Conv: Harries.

Remember: If you want to watch The Saracens at their next outing at HQ, why not use the Fez-Bus.

The 08/09 Fez-bus will debut at the London Double Header, and will be scheduled so you can enjoy the Irish v Wasps match before you settle down for the main event. Bus tickets for the event will be £15 and will be available via the on-line shop on the Saracens main website (link at top of page) or by phoning South Mimms direct on 01707 322555. The coaches will pick-up from Watford and Hatfield/Cockfosters (exact venues and times to be announced nearer the time).

The Fez-Bus: In proud association with South Mimms Travel, Real Sports Shops & The Druid Group.

Bookmark or share this story with:

• Digg
• Delicious
• Facebook
• Reddit
• Stumbleupon

SPORTNETWORK SPECIALS