Women’s Eagles finish top four at London 7s Invitational

from USA Rugby:

LONDON, England – The Women’s Eagles Sevens squad defeated Spain 15-7 to advance to the Cup Semifinals inside Twickenham Stadium, eventually losing out 28-7 against Australia.

The London 7s Women’s Invitational was excellent preparation for the USA as they prepare for the final leg on the IRB Women’s Sevens World Series which takes place in Amsterdam, Netherlands, on May 18-19. Head Coach Ric Suggitt was able to rotate his players throughout the competition giving the Eagles a chance to test different combinations. The Eagles finished inside the top four this weekend in London, winning three of five matches.

USA vs. Spain – Cup Quarterfinal
Starting Seven: Jillion Potter, Kelly Griffin, Vanesha McGee, Deven Owsiany, Victoria Folayan, Kimber Rosier, Christy Ringgenberg.

Both teams started off with some excellent defense, and it wasn’t until late in the first half that the Eagles found some space. Christy Ringgenberg’s beautifully weighted kick-through bounced favorably for speedster Victoria Folayan who raced away for the opening points in the game. The conversion wasn’t successful, and the Eagles led 5-0.

Spain’s Patricia Garcia responded directly from the restart, dotting down under the poles for the equalizer. The conversion from in front sailed over with Spain ending the half leading 7-5.

Similar to day one, the Eagles came out firing in the second stanza. Captain Vanesha McGee finished off a brilliant long-range movement for the USA. Kimber Rosier created some magic in mid-field, with Kelly Griffin and Deven Owsiany linking nicely with McGee. The Eagles reclaimed the lead 10-7.

Spain couldn’t penetrate the Eagles defense in the second half. Jillion Potter put in two massive tackles, and was a force to be reckoned with over the weekend. From a turn-over McGee went around her opposite number to score, finishing off a fantastic seven minute period for the Eagles.

Final Score: USA 15 Spain 7

USA vs. Australia – Cup Semifinal
Starting Seven: Jillion Potter, Kelly Griffin, Vanesha McGee, Deven Owsiany, Victoria Folayan, Kimber Rosier, Christy Ringgenberg.

The Cup Semifinal took place inside the famous Twickenham Stadium in front of an estimated 40,000 spectators.

Australia started the clash with high intensity, launching several attacking phases. The Eagles held strong and two superb try saving tackles came in from Griffin and Owsiany. Despite a long period of energy-sapping tackles, the ball found USA’s finisher Folayan on the outside. Folayan sprinted 60-meters past two defenders to score a classic try – much to the delight of the fans at Twickenham. Rosier kicked an excellent conversion and the Eagles led 7-0.

The pressure, however, was back on the USA following the kick-off. Sharni Williams broke free and touched down for the Wallabies to bring them right back into the match. Katrina Barker kicked the conversion with the game tied 7-7 at halftime.

Australia then managed to take the lead through some great side-stepping, sending Williams in for her second score. Barker added the two additional points for a 14-7 lead.

The Wallabies showed why they were the 2009 Rugby World Cup Champions with two brilliantly worked tries. From a penalty Emilee Cherry sliced through to put her team up 21-7. Moments later a late switch gave substitute Charlotte Caslick an opening to exploit. She dotted down under the poles, and with the conversion Australia were victorious.

USA 7 Australia 28

“It was definitely a physical match from both sides, and something we were preparing for. Unfortunately we didn’t come out on top, but it was a good fight for both sides. We are always striving to be in the top four, and next weekend we are looking to be in the Amsterdam final and take that one home,” said captain McGee.

The Cup Final features Australia and England at Twickenham.

Follow live updates on Twitter from the official USA Rugby account (@USARugby) and read game recaps onwww.usarugby.org. The official Twitter handle: #London7s.

Women’s Eagles Sevens | London Sevens
Jillion Potter
Kelly Griffin
Vanesha McGee
Deven Owsiany
Sadie Anderson
Bui Baravilala
Victoria Folayan
Kimber Rozier
Emilie Bydwell
Katie Dowty
Christy Ringgenberg
Nathalie Marchino

Women’s Eagles Sevens | Staff
Ric Suggitt (Head Coach)
Jo Anne Kos (Assistant Coach)
Nicole Titmas (Physio)
Dr. Lisa Bartoli (Doctor)
Peter Haberl (Psychologist)

Women’s Eagles Sevens | London Results
USA 12 Russia 5
USA 17 Ireland 14
USA 5 Canada 10
USA 15 Spain 7 (Cup Quarterfinals)
USA 7 Australia 28 (Cup Semifinals)