For the president of Highlanders Rugby Union Club, Pete Davidson, the sevens competition has proved to be a big success story for the region. In its third year, not only has it added a great deal to the pre-season for clubs of other codes, but the rugby club has also enjoyed increased patronage.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
“We’re very happy. We’ve been overwhelmed by the support this year. It’s really coming of age, and the whole region is getting behind it,” Davidson said.
“It’s good footy, very exciting and it’s good for the community.”
The seniors competition will play its finals week on Friday afternoon when Ashford 1, Staggy Creek, Delungra and Morons teams will vie for the title.
In the lower division finals, Warialda, Inverell Hawks, Ashford 2 and Tingha will battle it out, as well as Barbarians and CME playing off as well.
Davidson agreed it was a great way to get people to the rugby club to showcase what was on offer.
“I think all the codes embrace this competition, because it’s played in very good spirit and there’s very low prize money, which helps with the spirit of the game,” he said.
“Clubs are also using it as a very good pre-season fitness regime. It dovetails in with their training.
“One of the coaches in another code said the other night that you can do all the pre-season training you like, but you don’t know where you’re at until you get into a game type situation, such as this sevens’ format. That’s when you really start to use your lungs and see how good you are.”
Davidson said there would be some very exciting match-ups on Friday afternoon, and there will be presentations and entertainment in the clubhouse afterwards.
The big tip for the day is Ashford. Davidson put them down as equal favourites to take out the competition.
