April 8, 2016
USA Women’s Eagles 7s Win Plate At Atlanta Sevens
Photo: HSBC World Rugby Women’s Series – USA Women’s Eagles Sevens
Doug Coil
The USA Women’s Eagles Sevens lost to Australia 22-5 in the Cup Quarterfinals of the Atlanta Sevens. Australia showed why they currently lead the HSBC World Women’s Sevens Series and have booked another Cup Final appearance against New Zealand. As in the first two legs of the Series, Australia has made it three for three in winning Cups.
With the loss, the Eagles looked to contend for the Plate. Next up was Fiji in the Plate Semi-Final match. Entering the Atlanta Sevens the USA was ranked eighth in the standings and Fiji seventh.
USA v Fiji – Plate Semi-Final
The USA attacked from the beginning with an Alev Kelter break. Bui Baravilala offloaded from the breakdwon to Kelter and then to Megan Bonny for the first try and a USA 5-0 lead.
Javalet attacked to the 22 and offloaded to Stephens before Kate Zackary went in for a try. At the six minute mark, Stephens raced for the corner, but was dragged into touch 5 meters short. Seconds later Stephens had her try and with the Baravilala conversion the USA led 17-0. Somehow the USA managed to score again prior to halftime, as a Kelter to Bonny offload resulted in a try. The conversion was good and the Eagles had a 24-0 halftime lead.
The second half began like the first with Kelter hitting a gap for a try. Bui converted for a 31-0 lead. The Eagles were on fire with their assaults.
The final try resulted as Jill Potter won a turnover at the breakdown. Quick hands from Heavirland to Zackary to Javelet earned the try. The final score was Eagles 38-0 Fiji.
With the win the Eagles advanced to the Plate Final to meet Russia, ranked sixth in the standings.
USA v Russia – Plate Final
Although Russia entered this match ranked sixth in the standing, while the USA was eighth, the Eagles had won eight of ten previous meetings. The Plate was at stake, as well as a potential rise in the standings for the Eagles.
Just like their match against Fiji, the Eagles were able to take advantage of a tap on the restart by Russia and Kristen Thomas advanced the ball to within 5 meters of the line. Russia managed to clear the ball and Thomas attacked again. The USA had numbers and took advantage with offloads by Stephens to Carlyle to Kelter for a try and a 5-0 lead.
Russia answered back with a try from Khamidova that was converted for a 7-5 lead. The lead did not last long, as the USA executed a switch for a Richelle Stephens try. Bui Baravilala converted for a 12-7 lead at halftime.
Richie Walker made three changes to begin the second half with Javalet, Bonny and Heavirland entering the match. A Javelet chip and chase wen deep into Russia’s territory, Javalet went down with a trip, but a TMO was used to rule it accidental.
Late in the match the USA attacked deep into Russia’s territory and Megan Boony reached within 5 meters before a high tackle resulted in a penalty in favor of the EAgles. Jill Potter went into contact and a quick pass off the breakdwon by Baravilala to Bonny resulted in the final try. Baravilala converted and the final score was USA 19 to 7 Russia.
With the win the USA move to seventh place in the standings.
Women’s Eagles Sevens | HSBC Atlanta Sevens
1. Jillion Potter (C) 2. Megan Bonny 3. Kate Zackary 4. Meya Bizer 5. Ryan Carlyle 6. Nicole Heavirland 7. Alev Kelter 8. Bui Baravilala 9. Lauren Doyle 10. Richelle Stephens 11. Kristen Thomas 12. Jessica Javelet Coach: Richie Walker
USA Starters v Fiji: Jill Potter (c), Bui Baravilala, Megan Bonny,Ryan Carlyle, Richelle Stephens, Alev Kelter, Jessica Javelet
USA Starters v Russia: Jill Potter (c), Bui Baravilala, Ryan Carlyle, Richelle Stephens, Alev Kelter, Kristen Thomas, Kate Zackary
- Recap v Spain W 24-0
- Recap v Japan W 33-12
- Recap v. New Zealand – W 12-5
- Recap v Australia – Cup QF L 5-22
- v Fiji – Plate SF W 38-0
- v Russia – Plate Final W 19-7
