Kiwi club Bombay Hawks made history at the BCI Stadium when they took out the coveted International Sevens in Heaven Cup after over 8 years of being part of the annual event.

The visiting international team, who were introduced to the Sevens in Heaven tournament by Cook Islands sevens star Koiatu Koiatu, are set to receive a rowdy reception on their return home as the coveted Sevens in Heaven Cup is also the first trophy the club has won in over 15-years.

The Hawks squared off against defending Sevens in Heaven champions the Teimurimotia Stallions who were made to work hard to reach the grand final with stiff competition on the field.

The Hawks attacked the three day tournament with almost military precision with an ace management team organising a disciplined and hardworking young side.

That formula saw the side edge out the Stallions 26-19 to raise the cup and deservedly crowned the 2013 champions.

“We are absolutely over the moon,” said Hawks manager Selwyn Stol.

“We are so proud of the boys. We are a genuine club side with no ring-ins and to take out an international sevens tournament is fantastic.”

Stol said the side took every game as it came over the three day tournament – a tournament he describes as competitive competition.

“The competition was very competitive and there was very good talent at the tournament.”

The team departed the island yesterday afternoon still hoping to be able to take their silverware back to their Bombay club to share with their supports.

Stol adds the team will return again next year to defend their title and plan to bring with them a huge contingent of supporters for the 25th Sevens in Heaven tournament.

Stol thanks his team and pays special homage to team coach Semo Sititi – the most capped Samoan national rugby player with 65 test matches under his belt and now adding the International Sevens In Heaven tournament cup to his list of achievements.

Adding to the teams celebrations was the naming of their star player George Teina as the most valuable player of the three day tournament.

Stallions’ bolter Ben Paltridge was the top scorer of the tournament with 8 tries.

After the grand final game – Hawks captain Mathew Biggelaar thanked opponents the Stallions for a great game and thanked his team for their outstanding performance in Rarotonga.

Stallions captain Luke Masirewa, who was joined at the tournament by cousin Simisi Masirewa who played for flying Fijian team Tabusoro, congratulated the winning team and thanked his team and management for a great campaign.

In other finals on Saturday – the Rebels beat a talented Titikaveka Telecom Colts team 25-7 to take up the shield while the bowl final was won by the Shuzi Flying Dragons, with the help of 8 import players, outscored the local boys from Araura Enua 43-24 in the high scoring match.

The General Transport Tabusoro team, who looked hot to take out the tournament on day one, had to settle for the plate after beating the Arorangi Cowboys 40-5.

Cook Islands Rugby Union chief executive officer Ben Koteka was thrilled with the high calibre of players and games of the three days sevens tournament.

While sevens stars such as Zar Lawrence of the Tauae Bulls, Ben Paltridge, Luke Masirewa and Mathew Biggelaar shone on the field – it was the crop of young talent that really impressed including Aitu Newbigging of the Tauae Bulls, young Teariki Matenga Jnr of Titikaveka and Rangi Piri of Tupapa.

It was also great to see the Tupapa-Maraerenga club make a come back to the marquee sevens event and were strong contenders on the field.

Outer island teams Enuamanu and Araura Enua did their Pa Enua islands proud and so did the Rarotonga club teams.

Plans are already underway for the biggest ever sevens tournament next year as the annual event celebrates 25 years of sevens in heaven.

Women’s rugby sevens is set to make a comeback to the tournament as a dynamic and popular division of the three day rugby sevens tournament.

Congratulations to the 16 men’s teams that took part.