A HAT-TRICK of tries from Rhodri McAtee helped
the Cornish Pirates to victory in the final of this year's
Henley International Sevens at Dry Leas.
The young Welshman was in sensational form as the Pirates overcame Premiership
outfit Northampton Saints to claim the prestigious title for the first time in
their history.
Summer signing Duncan Roke and Kevin James also got
on the final try-list with Wes Davies bagging three conversions to seal a memorable
victory.
Earlier in the day, the Pirates had opened their account
with a 26-6 victory over Loughborough University , then defeated a Young England
team 24-0 in the next round.
The Cornish club's impressive run continued
with a 28-12 semi-final victory over reigning Middlesex Sevens holders, the British
Army. Tries from Roke, James, Joe Bearman and Benjamin Ayimba, plus conversions
from Roke and James were enough to see the Pirates through.
Pirates'
chief executive David Jenkins could not hide his delight afterwards, he said:
"This is fantastic result for us. When you consider the sides that we came up
against today, it makes the end result even more pleasing."
Sunday's
result is the ideal boost for coach Jim McKay ahead of this week's two friendly
fixtures against Launceston on Tuesday evening, then at home to Redruth next Saturday.
Loughborough University W 26-5 - Tries - R McAtee, D Roke, K James,
W Davies; Conversions - Davies, Roke
Young England W 24-0 - Tries
- Roke, James, B Ayimba, J Bearman; Conversions - James, Roke
British
Army W 28-12 - Tries - Roke, Davies, O Osir, McAtee; Conversions - Roke, Davies
2, Osir
Northampton Saints W 31-17 - Tries - Roke, James, McAtee
(3); Conversions - Davies 3
