CISA boys fighting for the win

The Village Sports Academy rugby sevens team has clawed back from two tries down late in the second half to deny the Cook Islands Sports Academy a final win on their New Zealand tour.

Two tries from VSA late in the second half of their bowl cup final against CISA saw the teams draw in their final match in the specially-formed sevens tournament before VSA broke the deadlock and took the win.

Ramsey Tomokino, who is with the CISA crew on their end of year tour, said the two teams were on even footing in their final match.

CISA looked like they were going to finish the day strong with a win in the final after manoeuvring three very good first-half tries, he said.

However, with VSA determined to try and seek a win, the result came down to the last seconds of the match.

The game was looking at going in to extra time before a wayward kick by CISA found a VSA player.

That player powered his way down the sideline beating two defenders to score the winning try in the corner to the delight of VSA and their supporters, and CISA contemplating how they let the game get away that they were on track to winning, Tomokino said.

CISA battled admirably in all their games, and the games will have been a great experience for them.

The final match was the best the CISA boys had played all day, having earlier lost to Mount Albert Grammar 27-0 and then Wesley College 31-14.

Mount Albert Grammar went on to win the tournament, which was pulled together for the CISA tour, beating Auckland Grammar 26-24 in the major final.

CISA tutor Kevin Iro said the team didnt play up to their potential, perhaps a little overwhelmed in the occasion.

Tomokini agreed, saying: The games were all a very good contest and the score lines often didnt reflect the tough sevens rugby that took place.

The CISA boys will next play a combined East Auckland rugby league team on Saturday, New Zealand time.