Rays win Dubai International Club 7s
Burraneer Womens Rugby Club are today World Club champions, having taken out the Dubai International Club 7s competition at The Sevens Stadium, Dubai overnight.
The Rays stormed through their pool matches to secure a favourable side of the draw for the knockout phase of competition on Day 3. A commanding win over Mauritius in the quarter final saw the Rays progress to the semi-final against the fancied Tropic 7s side from the UK, led by former England 7s star Heather Fisher and boasting a strong squad Tropic 7s were also undefeated. The Rays produced their game of the tournament when it mattered most, cruising to victory in emphatic style and setting up a Cup Final appearance at the most recognised club 7s event in the world.
Your International Open Women’s Dubai 7’s World Champions
The final would be played against competition powerhouse San Clemente Rhinos, a professional 7s academy program in the USA boasting players from America, Japan, UK and New Zealand, many with World Series experience. Similar to the Rays, the Rhinos had gone unchallenged on their side of the draw and were probably the favoured outfit heading into the match.
The Rays looked nervous in the opening stages, turning over possession from the opening kick-off and struggling to exit their end of the field. A sensational “in-and-away” by winger Ella Fountaine broke the deadlock 4 minutes in, outpacing her opposite to give the Rays a 7-0 lead. She was quickly in again after the Rays secured possession from the kick-off leading to some great passing from Liana Rose and Brooke Talataina to find Ella the space to score down the edge to go up 12-0.
The Rhinos hit back just before half-time to take the score to a nervous 12-7 in favour of the Rays.
Burra Rays vs. the Cats during the Dubai 7s
Burra Rays vs. the Cats during the Dubai 7s
For months, the Rays have been working on their reaction to transition possession in the lead-in to Dubai, it was the key that unlocked teams defences all tournament, with many opposition teams preferring to slow the game up and go to set piece opposed to the faster, Aussie style attack.
From the opening kickoff of the second half, a quick tap from a penalty playing transition footy was the answer again, as a quick-thinking Tiarne Cavanagh reacted sharply to put Fountaine in for her hat-trick and take the game to a 17-7 score in favour of the Rays.
The try of the tournament to Chloe Saunders, again from transition attack and some wonderful work by edge forward Sophie Bell secured a famous victory for the Rays, who were committed to dying for each other on that field if that’s what it took to win the match.
Burra Rays vs. the Cats during the Dubai 7s
Coach, Sam Tabuatamata enjoying the result
Much can be said about this year for the Burraneer Womens Rugby Club, whose unbridled joy in Dubai spilled out onto the field after the full-time siren. A club formed in February this year under rocky circumstances complete a historic year, crowned champions in Kiama 7s, Sydney Shute Shield 7s, Samoa 7s, Sawtell 7s and now, the famous Dubai 7s.
Choking back tears, captain Chloe Saunders addressed the group post final, in an emotional moment outlining the hardships faced by the group at the start of the year and the meaning behind the result that didn’t leave a dry-eye in the place.
The Rays would like to thank Tour Major Sponsor Hydralyte, tour sponsors Degnan and the Southern Rugby Alliance and their suite of major club sponsors who have enabled the club to create a dynamic rugby pathway for all aspiring female rugby players, with many memories to boot.
Hydralyte Rays at the Dubai 7s
The Rays is a family, and to all current players, parents, partners and friends back home, it was often spoken about how important it was to make you proud - and we really hope we did that.
A day of sightseeing, laughs and enjoyment awaits the girls after one of the most historic years for any club in Australian sport.
Thanks to everyone for supporting the journey.