Finals showdown in the National Rounds of the Aon Uni Sevens

Sun, May 2, 2021, 7:00 AM
AAP
by AAP
Evania Pelite playing for Bond in the Aon Uni 7s. | Photo: Karen Watson
Evania Pelite playing for Bond in the Aon Uni 7s. | Photo: Karen Watson

Bond has been crowned Nationals round one champions after defeating Sydney Uni in the gold final of the Aon Uni Sevens on the second day of competition.

After an exciting first day at Forshaw Rugby Park the finals have been decided, with UQ meeting University of Newcastle in the first play-off, and UTS taking Griffith in the second.

The winners of those two games earn the right to take on Sydney Uni and Bond, who put in a fantastic showing to finish top of their respective pools.

Qualifying finals

University of Newcastle pulled off the upset of the round, surprising a talented UQ. Faith Nathan and Jesse Southwell combined for all Newcastle's points to progress through to the semi's.

FT 19-12

Young star Sariah Paki was impressive once again as UTS held off a tenacious Griffith University side. Some individual brilliance from Sevens ace Demi Hayes was not enough for Griffith.

FT 17-12

 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by AU 7s (@aussie7s)

 

Semi-finals 

Sydney Uni showed their class, using speed and power to rack up the tries in the first half against the Newcastle team. In the second half Newcastle added some starch to their defence to stem the tide of points, and managed to claw back a try of their own in controversial circumstances, but it wasn't enough as the Lionesses progress to the finals.

FT 38-7

It was another entertaining affair between Bond and UTS for their semi-final clash. Bond opened the scoring with two scintillating tries orchestrated by Evania Pelite, and a long-range effort from Caitlyn Costello. The points continued for Bond in the second half, showing their class that has been evident all tournament. UTS got on the board late after a frantic period right on full-time but it too little, too late.

FT 24-7

 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by AU 7s (@aussie7s)

 

Finals 

In the play-off between Griffith and UQ, a double to Demi Hayes and tries to Lily Dick, Chantay Ratu and Kahli Henwood ensured Griffith grabbed fifth place in the standings.

FT 31-0

University of Newcastle and UTS battled it out in the bronze final. UTS put in a clinical performance against a tiring Newcastle to wrap up third spot in the tournament.

FT 17-7

In the gold final, it was an enthralling match between the tournaments two top-placed sides in their respective pools, as Queensland's Bond University were crowned champions of NSW's Sydney Uni. It was Bond's pace out that prevailed over the lionesses hard-edged running.

The Levi sisters combined for all of Bond's tries, with scores to Bridget Clark and Cassie Staples not enough for Sydney Uni.

FT 19-12

The Aon Uni Sevens now rolls on to Queensland for the second round of nationals in Queensland from 15-16 May.

 

Share

Latest News

Sharni Smale celebrates 50th World Series event with Dream Team nomination
The Aussies went down to NZ in the LA Final. Photo: World Rugby
New Zealand, Blyde power to victory over Australia in LA
RECAP: Women go down in Final, Men finish seventh in LA
Maddison Levi's hat-trick inspired Australia to victory over Ireland in a rematch of the Perth Final. Photo: World Rugby
Australia Sevens enact revenge after strong opening day wins in LA