January 30, 2016
Eagles 7s Advance to Cup Quarters at Wellington
Doug Coil
In Pool play the Eagles 7s found themselves in the company with 5th place England, 6th place France and the always dangerous Samoa. It was a Pool of Death with close matches expected.
The Eagles 7s drew Samoa first and took an early lead after a Danny Barrett offload to Perry Baker for a try. (5-0, 1′) Baker also picked up a second try after intercepting a ball at Samoa’s 22. Madison Hughes converted and the Eagles led 12-0.
Samoa were able to close the gap prior to halftime as Selesele rounded the defense for a try. At Halftime the score was USA 12-5 Samoa.
Samoa took advantage of a missed grab on the restart for an early second half try by Toloa. USA narrowly led 12-10.
For the next two minutes the Eagles continued to attack. After winning a scrum, Kevin Swiryn bowled over a defender. Test capitalized and had a try under the posts. Hughes converted and the Eagles now led 19-10.
Samoa answered right back from the restart as an over the head pass to Tusitala resulted in a try. (19-17) Tusitala then scored another try after Thretton Palamo was penalised for being offsides.
With time dwindling, Leuta took the restart and Carlin Isles advanced the ball to midfield. After Samoa was penalized, Leuta dummied, but Samoa knocked the ball backwards. That was all the USA needed as Carlin Isles gathered the ball and was off to the races for the winning try at death. The Final was Eagles 24-20 over Samoa.
Match 2 against England
The Eagles were flat against England and had difficulty advancing into England territory during the first half.
England drew first blood after Alexis Davis beat Barrett for a try four minutes into the match. A Bibby to Mitchell try under the posts and a conversion, increased England’s lead to 12-0. That was the score at halftime.
Mike Friday compelled the team at halftime to correct the mistakes that were being made, but it wasn’t in the cards.
Kevin Swiryn attacked deep into England territory, but did not have the support. England then attacked and McConnochie split defenders for a try. Again the conversion was made and the Eagles found themselves down 19-0.
After a Carlin Isles run, the ball was passed wide to Madison Hughes who touched down for the Eagles only try. The Final was Eagles 5-19 England.
Toward the end of the match, substitutions were made and Ben Pinkelman was able to earn his first cap as an Eagles 7s player. Although his time was limited, he added energy into the match.
Match 3 against France
Entering the match, the winner would advance to the Cup Quarterfinals as the second place team in the Pool.
France drew first points from a Julien Candelon offload to Steeve Barry for a try in the first minute.
Thretton Palamo attacked on the restart. In ensuing play Carlin Isles was able to beat tow defenders for a try. The Eagles narrowed the gap, as the score was now 5-7.
Danny Barrett showed what a force he can be in fending defenders and winning a breakdown. He picked and advanced the ball before offloading to Madison Hughes for a try. (10-7 Eagles)
Barrett then drew a penalty near the uprights and France’s Ouedrago was sent to the bin for throwing the ball away. Folau Niua tapped, passed and Carlin Isles had another try. At halftime it was 15-7 in favor of the Eagles.
Early in the second half Ouedraogo was able to redeem himself with a try in the corner. The conversion was good and the Eagles still led 15-14.
This time the Eagles answered right back, as Perry Baker won the restart. Barrett advanced the ball to midfield and Test broke for a try. (22-14 USA)
A injury in the last minute to Bouhraoua, resulted in Kevin Swiryn advancing the ball to France’s 22. After the breakdown, he once again attacked for a try. (29-14 Eagles)
Sacha Valeau was able to add a consolation try for France prior to the match ending. The Final score favored the Eagles 29-21.
Today, the Eagles will play Fiji in the Cup Quarterfinals at 8:08 ET
Men’s Eagles Sevens | HSBC Wellington Sevens
1. Carlin Isles
2. Matai Leuta
3. Danny Barrett
4. Ben Pinkelman
5. Zack Test
6. Kevin Swiryn
7. Folau Niua
8. Thretton Palamo
9. Nate Augspurger
10. Madison Hughes
11. Perry Baker
12. Will Holder
