Here's a quick look at the NAI 7s.
U18 Elite
Rebel Rugby Academy White won the Boys U18 Elite in dramatic fashion, coming back from a 12-7 deficit at halftime to win 26-24 over Next Phase Rugby. This was exactly the matchup last year and Rebel came away with a close win then, too.
This game hinged in part on a yellow card against Next Phase for a late tackle, and a collision on the restart that ended with a penalty against Next Phase that was ... well it was a bang-bang play, let's just say that. Next Phase unleashed some champagne moves throughout the game with Masi Koi a sidestepping freak and Julian Niulala making big plays on defense and chasing down his own kick to set up a try. Young Caleb Ray was impressive, too.
But down at halftime Rebel did not flinch and did not give up on defense. With tries from Troy Herdolt, Luke Peters, and Arnaud Agasse they reeled Next Phase in and led 21-19. Then a nice flat ball to Marco Lapierre saw him barrel in for a 26-19 lead. Next Phase answered with a snappy backhanded offload from Niulala to Koi put the stepper in. Koi then lined up the conversion to tie it, but it was a tough angle for a right-footed kicker and the ball curved just wide. Game over, and a resilient, polished Rebel side took the cup for the third straight time.
Belmont Shore and Majestics had been on a collision course all weekend in the Girls U18 Elite bracket. Coming into Saturday, both were 3-0. Belmont Shore had given up just one try. But against Atlantis they gave up two and were a little miffed that they did. But Belmont Shore's commitment to moving the ball saw them win 36-14. Majestics slammed Rock Rugby 46-5. Then these two teams met in the 5th round of pool play and Majestics' power overcame Belmont Shore's speed.
But this was perhaps a scouting mission for Belmont Shore. Because in the ensuing final Belmont Shore, led by Nila Lolesio-Pua, Khalea Pahulu, and Flri LIufau, they found space and forced the Majestics defense to chase them around. They couldn't quite shake Majestics, but held on 22-14.
It was a superb team performance.
