Hartlepool 6th form college continue their impressive reign over the regional 7s competition after being crowned victorious over all local competition.

Wednesday 7th saw Billingham Rugby Club host the 7s competition for the first time.

The use of the AGP allowed some pretty flash rugby for this time of the year and at the head of it were the brinky lads.

Brinkburn have dominated the competition, qualifying for the national completion every year for what seems like “before records began” !

And this year the lads filled the pretty big boots that were left for them by past teams packed with talented players.

The young team claimed back to back victories over East Durham. Tyne Metropolitan and Gateshead.

6th form coach and Billingham player Daniel Finney stayed that,

“We were slow to start in the first game against east Durham and made hard work of it just winning 19-15.
From there the lads come out firing against Tyne met and Gateshead putting both games to bed before half time.
We then played east Durham in the final and again came out flying scoring 4 early tries before half time and with another two early in the second half. From there the lads relaxed slightly and started trying new things in tough conditions which allowed EDC to score a few late try’s.”

Although a Hartlepool based college, the team upheld its reputation for containing fantastic young Billingham players Leon Turnbull, Lewis Bollands, Joe Ross and Sam Wilson who is the college captain

The coaches went on to say; “Were proud that the lads managed to solve their problem of starting slow from the first game and it was great to see the lads lay a good foundation to build on in preparation for National finals that are held at Nottingham Trent university in April. We also look forward to welcoming back Billingham Speedster, Max Rafferty into the group which will give us a serious attacking threat in the wider channels.”

It was a pleasure to get out and watch the Billingham and Hartlepool lads put together some pretty magic rugby on the home turf and left me to think how much I loved playing in that tournament for the college.

From the club, good luck in April at Nottingham lads the other teams are going to need it !

Harry-Jon Morgan

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