BACK-TO-BACK WINS ON THE FINAL DAY EARNS AUSTRALIA FIFTH ON THE GOLD COAST

Apr 15 • General News, Sevens Rugby • 1320 Views • Comments Off on BACK-TO-BACK WINS ON THE FINAL DAY EARNS AUSTRALIA FIFTH ON THE GOLD COAST

The Australian Men’s Sevens side have finished fifth at the Commonwealth Games after accounting for Kenya and Scotland on the final day.

Australia started brightly on Sunday as they brushed aside Kenya 33-5 in front of a sold out crowd at Robina Stadium.

Scotland were then no match for Andy Friend’s side as Australia shut out the Scots 26-0 to send the coach out on a high.

Australian Men’s Sevens coach Andy Friend said: “We were gutted last night, everybody was absolutely broken and had to pick ourselves up,” Friend said.

“I’m just really grateful for the opportunity I’ve had. Not many people get to coach their country.

“What lies ahead now I’m not too sure at this point in time. I’m just really proud, the people you meet, friendships that will never break, it’s pretty special,” Friend said.

Australia 33 defeated Kenya 5
Kenya were on the front foot from the outset and 90 seconds into the match, Billy Odhiambo crossed in the corner for the first of the morning. Nicky Price came into the squad for the injured Tom Lucas and made an immediate impact, making the break which put Ben O’Donnell in for Australia’s first, with two to play in the first term. Maurice Longbottom then sent the Aussies into the break in style, scoring a superb 70 metre solo effort, weaving his way in and out of would be defenders en route to the line.

Longbottom and John Porch then set up Sam Myers for Australia’s next, the former throwing the final pass after the latter stole the ball in the Australian 22 and grubbered through, only to be claimed five out from the Kenyan line. That put the Australians in front 19-5 with four minutes to play and Porch put the nail in the coffin one minute later, strolling over after a strong carry from Myers.

Australia 26 defeated Scotland 0
Maurice Longbottom beat four defenders before passing to Jesse Parahi to set up Australia’s first, which John Porch converted from the sideline. Porch saved a certain Scotland try 30 seconds later before Longbottom set Parahi up again, this time under the sticks. That opened up a 14-0 lead and that’s where the score would sit when the half time siren sounded.

Longbottom clearly had his playmaking hat on as it was his grubber from halfway which found the arms of Lachie Anderson, who scored Australia’s third with three to play. Boyd Killingworth then put the icing on the cake, Ben O’Donnell weaving his way through the Scottish line before throwing a pinpoint pass to set the five pointer up. It was a comprehensive win for an Australian side that was eager to send their beloved coach out in style.

Commonwealth Games results
Australian Men’s Sevens
Fifth-place semi-final: Australia 33–5 Kenya
Fifth-place playoff: Australia 26–0 Scotland