A look back at the Middlesex Sevens 2000

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By From the Archives
August 16 2002

The Saints after starting strongly, narrowly slipped up in the semi finals to Saracens at yesterdays Eurobet Middlesex Sevens at Twickenham. A strong squad including Pat Lam, Allan Bateman and new boy Luca Martin easily cruised past London Welsh in the first round by fifty seven points to seven.

Fellow Zurich Premiership side Bristol proved sterner opposition in the second round but were finally overcome 28-10 giving the Saints a semi final clash with Saracens, who included new signing Thomas Castawotsits in their team.

After taking an early lead Sarries fought back and stretched ahead leaving the Saints needing two converted tries in the last two minutes to snatch an unexpected victory.
They almost pulled it off, but fell two points short at 26-28.Jim Bramhall must still be wondering how he missed the drop kick conversion that would have made all the difference.

The bottom half of the draw was totally dominated by the Penguins who included sevens specialists Serevi and Rush in their ranks. After brushing aside Rotherham, Samurai Rugby and Newcastle in the earlier rounds they totally overwhelmed Sarries in the final 47-19.
It was a success totally deserved.
Sarries have now come runners up in the competition six times. (Shame !!!)
First round losers London Irish won the plate.

From the Saints point of view, although they lost, there was plenty to be taken from the day.
All the Saints contingent looked sharp and ready for the Zurich and European campaigns. Luca Martin looks a great acquisition, and in tandem with the everlasting Allan Bateman could cause any defence problems. Now its back to the fifteen man game and Newcastle next Sunday at Kingston Park in the inaugural Zurich Premiership round.

But one question remains. Just who was that cartwheeling streaker ???

Results:

First Round
SAINTS 54 London Welsh 7
Saracens 26 Leeds 14
Penguins 54 Rotherham 7
Sale Sharks 24 British Army 19
Bristol 24 NEC Harlequins 14
Samurai Rugby 14 London Wasps 12
Newcastle Falcons 28 London Irish 19
Leicester Tigers 33 London Nigerians 0

Second Round
Newcastle 35 Leicester 0
SAINTS 28 Bristol 10
Penguins 26 Samurai Rugby 10
Saracens 40 Sale Sharks 0

Semi-Finals
Saracens 28 SAINTS 26
Penguins 38 Newcastle 12

Final
Penguins 47 Saracens 19