Hot weather and hot rugby combine for another Hottest 7s success in the Top End

THE final day of Hottest 7s Rugby saw the weather cool down but the competition continued to heat up as the top sides were rewarded for their efforts

Swamp Dogs Jim Price runs in a try against Cougars to take out the under-17 title at rugby’s Hottest Sevens at Marrara. Picture: GLENN CAMPBELL

THE final day of Hottest 7s Rugby saw the weather cool down but the competition continued to heat up as the top sides were rewarded for their continued efforts under the sun.

Players and spectators brought plenty of excitement and passion all day.

Top sides Daveta and Stallions showed skill all the way to a thrilling final worth $30,000 while moments of brilliance from other sides proved how competitive the tournament was.

Tabadamu also put on an impressive and emotional show beating Elite 7s for third place and a $5500 cheque

Rugby Australia CEO Raelene Castle was impressed with the level of competition brought together by Rugby NT.

“I think it’s been great, it’s gone really well,” Castle told the NT News.

“The competition has been as fierce as ever and the organisation and new venue have been really good.

“Union is a growing sport up here with competition from the NRL and AFL but Rugby NT do a really good job. This competition in particular gives them a lynchpin to work all their other competitions around.”

Local club Swampdogs were the first to take medal honours after winning the Under-17 young boys Cockatoo final against the Casuarina Cougars.

Then it was the senior women’s turn with the First Nations up against the Festerville Industries Stallions.

The two sides were deadlocked 7-7 after the first half with a try a piece.

Each side only managed a single try in the second but a failed conversion attempt from First Nations saw Stallions take the Jabriu trophy and the $18,000 cheque with a 14-12 victory.

Stallions endured a yellow card in the last second of the match but it was enough to see them win.

Stallions’ Cheech Barker was pleased were the performance of her fellow players.

“It’s an amazing feeling, we all just met on Friday and weren’t sure who we were playing with,” she said.

“It came down to last tackle and I’m hugely happy that we came away the winners.

“Darwin always puts on a good show. They’ve upgraded everything since I was last here. The prize money is ridiculous so you wouldn’t want to not play here.”

In a twist, the NT Mosquitoes who had only come together as a team last week were downed 31-10 by the Casuarina Cougars in the Barra ninth place playoff match.

Cougars started strong and went hard at the Territory representatives and never looked back.

Two second-half tries by the Mozzies from Shaun Wanchope and Jack Morrison were not enough to push them back into contention.