Weather-Hit Munster Sevens Tournament Is Still A Huge Success

Some of Munster’s top club rugby talents braved the elements on Saturday to play in the inaugural Meteor-sponsored Munster Sevens tournament at Old Crescent RFC, with the Cup title being shared by Cork Constitution and UL Bohemians.

Heavy win and rain forced the cancellation of the Plate and Cup finals at the Limerick venue, but the tournament was still deemed a huge success. It drew 16 teams from the province, a large turnout of supporters and is set to become an annual highlight on the Irish rugby calendar.

The pool stages went off without a hitch, however severe thunderstorms in the late afternoon ensured that only the Bowl final could be played, with Young Munster claiming a 24-0 win over Waterpark in the decider. Waterpark had overcome Sunday’s Well 33-14 in their semi-final, while eventual winners Young Munster defeated Shannon 21-14 in their semi-final tussle.

The 16 teams had been divided into four pools, with Dolphin, Bruff, UL Bohemians and Cork Constitution topping their respective pools and going forward to play in the Cup competition. Cork Constitution disposed of local rivals Dolphin in one semi-final, claiming a seven-point victory, while in the other last-four clash, UL Bohemians and Bruff could not be separated in normal time and had to play extra-time, with Bohs eventually claiming a 17-12 success. The weather then came into play leaving Con and Bohs to share the Cup.

In the Plate competition, Garryowen defeated Thomond 29-0 in their semi-final and in the other half of the draw, Nenagh Ormond were 21-12 winners over home club Old Crescent. But again the final could not be played.

Commenting on the success of the tournament, Munster Rugby’s Event Coordinator John Lacey said: “Despite the rain we saw some superb Sevens rugby being played here and we’re already looking forward to next year and expanding the tournament even more.

“We’ve had great support, particularly from Old Crescent and all the crew at Munster Rugby. The day ended with a brilliant festival atmosphere and a demonstration of true sportsmanship by the finalists.”

The event was a fun-filled day of entertainment for all the family with younger supporters enjoying the bouncy castles, a DJ and a barbeque. The tournament also supported ‘Headsup’, a new text service from Rehab, which aims to help young adults in difficulty by offering support group information for a range of issues via text.

Click here for photos from the 2007 Munster Sevens tournament.

2007 METEOR MUNSTER SEVENS RESULTS:

GROUP A:

Garryowen 22-0 Sunday’s Well
Highfield 12-21 Dolphin
Garryowen 31-5 Highfield
Sunday’s Well 0-35 Dolphin
Garryowen 10-12 Dolphin
Sunday’s Well 17-14 Highfield

GROUP B:

Shannon 17-5 Newport
Nenagh Ormond 19-22 Bruff
Shannon 12-29 Bruff
Newport 5-40 Nenagh Ormond
Shannon 12-12 Nenagh Ormond
Newport 7-38 Bruff

GROUP C:

UL Bohemians 22-14 UCC
Young Munster 10-19 Old Crescent
UL Bohemians 29-19 Young Munster
UCC 5-26 Old Crescent
UL Bohemians 28-12 Old Crescent
UCC 7-34 Young Munster

GROUP D:

Cork Constitution 43-7 Midleton
Waterpark 7-26 Thomond
Cork Constitution 40-7 Waterpark
Midleton 7-34 Thomond
Cork Constitution 19-5 Thomond
Midleton 14-26 Waterpark

BOWL COMPETITION:

Semi-Finals –
Sunday’s Well 14-33 Waterpark
Shannon 14-21 Young Munster

Final –
Waterpark 0-24 Young Munster

PLATE COMPETITION:

Semi-Finals –
Garryowen 29-0 Thomond
Old Crescent 12-21 Nenagh Ormond

Final –
Garryowen v Nenagh Ormond (title shared)

CUP COMPETITION:

Semi-Finals –
Dolpin 12-19 Cork Constitution
UL Bohemians 17-12 Bruff (aet)

Final –
Cork Constitution v UL Bohemians (title shared)