Premiership 7s Day 2 Round-Up
By Mark Stevens
14/9/19
Exeter Chiefs saw their hopes of claiming the first silverware of the season ended by familiar foes in Saracens as they bowed out at the semi-final stage in this year’s Premiership Rugby 7s at Franklin’s Gardens.
Having picked up bonus point victories against London Irish and Gloucester on the opening night of the tournament in Northampton, Ricky Pellow’s side began Day 2 by picking up an excellent 31-26 success over Worcester Warriors.
Skipper Max Bodilly led the way for the Devonians in that encounter, claiming a hat-trick of tries, whilst Arthur Relton and Luke Mehson all dotted down for tries, three of which were converted by Sam Morley.
Exeter’s success meant that were pitted against defending champions Saracens in the last four, but they found the task of overcoming the Londoners a tough one as they bowed out 31-0.
Meanwhile, Saracens - who were coached by former Chiefs and England Sevens player Kevin Barrett - ensured it was a case of deja vu in the final as they defended their title with a thrilling 35-19 triumph over Wasps.
In a repeat of last year’s final, Saracens once again proved too good for Wasps as Andrew Christie’s double helped the Men in Black clinch the first silverware of the season.
Will Porter and Jacob Umaga had both crossed for Wasps as they came out the blocks intent on avenging their 2018 Final defeat, with Umaga adding one conversion.But it was not long before Saracens hit back and tries from Ali Crossdale, Tom Whiteley and Andrew Christie ensured the defending champions took a 21-12 lead into the break.
Christie added his second of the game soon after the restart to increase Saracens’ advantage, before Callum Sirker closed the gap for Wasps with a solo effort from his own half.
Saracens would not be denied, however, and Sean Reffell punctured a hole in the Wasps’ defence before sending Charlie Watson over the whitewash to seal another 7s title.
Earlier, a dramatic Stephen Varney try with the clock in the red ensured Gloucester came out on top in the Premiership Rugby 7s Plate final for a third consecutive year.
The Cherry and Whites trailed Sale Sharks 29-17 with four minutes left, but tries from Reece Dunn, Tom Stanton and Varney saw the reigning Plate Champions pull off an unlikely comeback to win 34-29.