Worcester Warriors were victorious in the Manchester Sevens on Saturday as they defeated Red Panda in the Plate Final.
A young Warriors side led by Andrew Boyce were drawn in arguably the tougher of the two groups and went down 24-14 in their opening game to eventual Cup winners Les Bleus, who included a number of French Sevens internationals in their side.
Warriors came up against another Sevens specialist side Samurai in their second match of the competition and eventually lost 26-12.
However, Mark Hewitt’s men turned their fortunes around in their final two group games as they saw off Red Panda and Irish Exiles to progress to the Elite Plate competition.
In the semi-final Warriors cruised past Northumberland University 40-5 before defeating Red Panda 24-14 in the showpiece event.
Academy Manager Hewitt said: “After a tough start to the competition, the players responded brilliantly and raised the level.
“I was delighted to see them achieve success in the Plate Final and it was the perfect reward for their attitude and dedication throughout the competition.”
Warriors:
1. Andrew Boyce (c)
2. Ashley Elvers
3. George Mills
4. George Di Coti
5. Joe Nellany
6. Tiff Eden
7. Craig Jackson
8. Kyle Spears
9. David Serrafini
10. Elliott Davies
Results
Group A Match One: Worcester Warriors 14-24 Les Bleus
Group A Match Two: Worcester Warriors 12-26 Samurai
Group A Match Three: Red Panda 19-28 Worcester Warriors
Group A Match Four: Irish Exiles 7-24 Worcester Warriors
Plate Semi-Final: Worcester Warriors 40-5 Northumberland
Plate Final: Worcester Warriors 24-14 Red Panda