SII 7’s impress visiting team

By Vatapuia Maiava 30 May 2016, 12:00AM

Defending Champions of the Samoa Independence International Sevens (SII 7’s) women’s division, OZBOKETTES are back and they have one goal in mind. 

To defend their title.

But that wasn’t the only reason for the visit from the Australian team; according to head coach Dale Winslow.

They are also here to enjoy the beauty of Samoa.

“SII 7’s is a great tournament and Samoa is a great country to come to,” he said during an interview with Samoa Observer.

“Samoa has really friendly people and beautiful weather; it’s a bit hotter than we’re used to but we come back as defending champs in the women’s division with a positive attitude.

“We are looking forward to a successful day, hopefully.”

According to Mr. Winslow, the standard of the tournament has improved and he is excited to be part of such a skill filled tournament.

“Last year we were happy to see the level and standard that we played against,” he said.

“The girls had a really good game against the Samoa Development team yesterday and they were very tough, so we enjoyed that.

“We enjoy challenges and we aim to make it to the finals this year again; hopefully it will be against the Samoan girls which will make it fun to watch.”

Despite having a small window of preparation available, the OZBOKETTES were confident because of  their experience.

“We had pretty short preps because the girls didn’t really get together until this week,” Mr. Winslow said.

“So we have only really had a couple of days; but as a team they have come together pretty well and have been working really hard.

“A lot of my girls have played a fair bit of sevens so they are all ready and experienced which makes things easier.”

Just like all other coaches, Mr. Winslow is happy to take part in tournaments such as these because it provides precious game time for teams.

 “A lot of them are trying to push further on so this is good. Sevens is different to 15’s rugby because it is all about gaining experience through game time so they just have to get out on the field and play.

“So far the girls have been doing really well; we had a draw and a win yesterday against really tough teams.

“I am happy with the girls because they have put in some really solid effort into the tournament.” According to Mr. Winslow, he and his team are counting the days when they will be able to visit Samoa once again.

“This is my second year here with the team,” he said.

“I am hopeful that we will be able to come back next year.” Full coverage including final results and photos of the SII 7’s will be available in the Monday issue of Samoa Observer.

By Vatapuia Maiava 30 May 2016, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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