East Grinstead Rugby Football Club (EGRFC) hosted the Blue Cube Security 62nd Sunshine Sevens on Sunday 28 April 2019. The event, established as the longest running Charity Sevens Tournament in England, still manages to attract the top sides in the South of England to come and play and help raise money for local children’s charities.

This year the event broadened its appeal by hosting twenty four sides in three Tournaments. The Elite Tournament provided yet another step up in standard, with England Sevens Captain, Tom Mitchell, reviewing the talent on the field. The semi-finals as always were keenly contested with Apache Raiders beating the much fancied Samurai red side, 10-5. Last year’s winners progressed to the final beating Wooden Spoon Marauders 38-12. The final had end to end action but with Ramblin Jesters winning 22-7 to take the Lady Astor of Hever Trophy.

The Blue Cube Security Elite Plate competition was won by Samurai Blue beating Nomads 31-24.

The Social Tournament was again very close with Brighton University beating Savills 19-15. The Social Plate was won by home club East Grinstead.

The Ladies Tournament got back on track this year and a thrilling final where University of Sussex beat a quality London Irish team 29-17 to win the Steve Cairns Trophy. The Ladies Player of the Tournament going to London Irish’s Linda Corcoran who was outstanding all afternoon. The Women’s Plate was won by Sussex Police, beating Horsham, 29-17.

With so much talent on display, Tom Mitchell had a lot of deliberating to choose the Penny Farthing Player of the Tournament, eventually going for Alex Harris from Apache Raiders.

It was very fitting that presentations were made by East Grinstead Mayor, Rex Whittaker, who has been heavily involved in the Sunshine Sevens for many years, President of EGRFC Andy Poole, and Gary Haycock-West, CEO Blue Cube Security Ltd, the main sponsor. Tom Mitchell, England Sevens (captain), Emma Swords, Saracens Premiership (15s, scrum half) and Garry Gordon representing the organising Committee.

Garry Gordon, Sunshine Sevens Organiser said “The Sunshine Sevens Committee are hoping that they will be able to beat last year’s efforts when they donated £15,000 to local charities, the club will again be supporting Step by Step for Autism, Special Families East Grinstead and Wooden Spoon the Rugby Charity. We would like to say a very big thank to EGRFC and everyone who every year makes this day so very special, we greatly appreciate the ongoing support and generosity. Help Us - Help the Kids”.

Thanks to the next generation of stars, EGRFC Under 12’s, who played the curtain raiser showing great skill and enthusiasm.

Website: www.egsunshine7s.com / Twitter: @EGRFCSunshine7s

Photo 1
The Elite Tournament Winners - Ramblin Jesters, Lady Astor of Hever Trophy
Photography Credit - Louise Oliver Photography

Media enquiries:
Milly O’Ryan, East Grinstead Rugby Football Club, 01342 322338 – milly@egrfc.com / @EGRFCSunshine7s / www.egrfc.com