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Denia Rugby Club participated in their first Beach Sevens Tournament on the La Safor Beach, North of Gandia on Saturday. With a very inexperienced squad against some of the best Clubs in the Community of Valencia it was going to be a long hard day, not helped by the intense heat and a four hour break between the second and third games of the five matches Denia played. Two groups of four teams saw Denia start the day against Tatami-Moncada of Valencia. With two players in their late 40s and a handful of teenagers it was clear that Denia not only had the oldest and youngest players in the Tournament but also the smallest. But speed and slight of hand is the essence in this version of the game and these attributes, combined with gutsy defence, saw Denia win this first match by two tries to one, Juan and German crossing the line for Denia who held off a determined challenge from a the big Tatami-Moncada side in the second half. Next up was Politecnica, a University side, also from Valencia. Again much bigger than Denia it was almost a repeat performance of the first match as Denia again held on to a slender 2-1 lead despite a second half onslaught. Denia's tries coming from Juan and Yovanny. This left Denia to face also unbeaten Tecnidex of Valencia, both already qualified for the semi-finals, but both eager to avoid Tournament favourites and Beach Sevens experts, Alicante University, who put all the teams in their group to the sword (Tavernes,La Safor and Praia Surf) with a heap of unanswered tries in each game. However, Denia had to wait over four hours for this match, due to the Tournament schedule and the traditional siesta break. Undaunted, Denia took on Tecnidex in every quarter and after a poor start, Juan added his third try of the day. But it was not to be as Tecnidex, who play two Leagues higher than Denia, scored the decisive try to win the group, pitting Denia against Alicante University in the semi-final. When you play a team like Alicante you a good start, plenty of luck and anything else that goes you way. But, not helped by one of the may inept refereeing performances of the day, the silky skills of Alicante where just two much for Denia and the visitors scored a couple of early tries. Adrian pulled one back for Denia, but Alicante ran out comfortable winners by seven tries to one. This left Denia to face Praia Surf, another Valencia side, made up mainly of players from CAU who play in the Spanish Second Division. It was a game to far for Denia with a couple of players injured but the youngsters continued to give everything they had - and more - and the lead changed several hands, before the more experienced Praia Surf side closed the game down to hold onto a 4-3 lead. German scored twice and Juan once. It was a great game and a slightly disappointing end to the day but Denia Rugby Club can be proud of their acheivement, finishing fourth overall, and with youngsters like these coming through, there is a great future for the Club. Highlight of the day was the father-son combination of Daniel and Juan playing together in a competitive match for the first time. Well done to all ! Not surprisingly, Alicante beat Tecnidex in the Final (5-1). In all a very good day and a well organised Tournament by La Safor Rugby Club although we could have done without the four hour break and, with one exception, the very poor level of refereeing. Denia Rugby Club: Daniel,Gevino,Pato,Rodrigo,Gordo, Mariano,German,Juan,David,Adrian,Nacho,Giuliano,Jack & Yovanny.
Eddie D'Arcy - 680 739 821 -
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