Apache 7s
28 Apr 2025
Apache Raiders & Braves at Sunshine 7s
The 2025 sevens season started on Sunday at the annual Sunshine Sevens which, for the first time in living memory, was a blisteringly h0t affair!
As ever, Apache entered two mixed sides into the competition with both The Raiders and The Braves featuring a number of club debutants. The Raiders group consisted of Shogun Osaka, Wooden Spoon Marauders, Lions and Norway, the only group with five teams meaning that they had the pleasure of an extra match on the day. The Braves took on Mavericks, Hammerheads and Shogun Akita.
The Raiders topped their group comfortably winning three of their four games and drawing 14-14 with Shogun Osaka. The Braves had three very tight fixtures but unfortunately missed out on a place in the cup and progressed into the plate, eventually losing out 17-12 to The Mavericks in the plate final.
The Raiders played a strong Saints 7s side in their quarter final (their fifth match of the day). After 14 minutes of breathless 7s, the score was locked at 24-24 and the match headed into extra time golden point. Thankfully, at this point the Raiders side seemed to wake up, winning their own kick-off and clinically sending Chris Ballard over in the right hand corner to seal the victory 29-14. Less than half an hour later, the Raiders were back on the turf to face a much fresher Shogun Akita side who had played a game less than them. This sixth match proved one step to far for The Raiders who came off second best to the competition winners.
A great day for the club all round with some valuable minutes heading into the rest of the season. Up next, a new tournament on the circuit, The London City Sevens at The HAC.