Wilkie stars as team from SA is crowned champions of the Lisbon 7’s
The Rugby Travel Barbarians from South Africa has recently been crowned champions of the annual Lisbon Junior 7’s Championship. The Barbarians defeated Grupo Desportivo Direito of Portugal in the final by 15-12 to be crowned champions.
The star player for the Rugby Travel Barbarians was Brandon Wilkie who was also crowned Player of the Tournament for his superb performances during the tournament. Wilkie, a pupil from Framesby in Port Elizabeth, scored a brace of tries in the final as his side defeated Direito by 15-12 in a closely contested match.
The Barbarians scored three tries in the final with Zander Thirion of Waterkloof scored the third. Thirion was also one of the South African star players throughout the tournament.
Wilkies’ two tries were of vital importance as the Rugby Travel Barbarians managed to turn the tables on Direito. Grupo Desportivo Direito is the most successful club in the history of Portuguese club rugby and their junior side is no different. Both his tries came through pure individual brilliance in which he showcased his power and pace.
The Rugby Travel Barbarians lost against Direito in their pool match by 17-19. They won their other two pool matches against Técnico (17-14) and Agrária de Coimbra (50-0) to book their place in the playoffs of the Cup-competition.
In the quarterfinals, Rugby Travel Barbarians eased past Gordon’s School of the United Kingdom with a convincing victory of 36-5. In the semi-final, they had a much tougher assignment against the national u18-side from the Isle of Man (19-7).
The Barbarians were captained by Hugo Bronkhorst (Hoërskool Grens) who also had an outstanding tournament. Elric Kok (Noord-Kaap) with his pace and quick feet were a thorn in the flesh of many defenders in Lisbon.
The Barbarians were coached by Len Olivier and Rassie Janse van Vuuren.
The Rugby Travel Barbarians’ u16-side lost the quarterfinal of the Cup-competition but recovered by being crowned champions of the Bowl-section. The u16-side was crowned champions of the Lisbon Junior 7’s in 2019.
The Results:
Pool A: Agronomia Rugby 24, St Benfica 0; Isle of Man 52, Jaguares 5; Agronomia Rugby 17, Isle of Man 14; St Benfica 27, Jaguares 5; Agronomia Rugby 24, Jaguares 5; Isle of Man 34, St Benfica 5.
Pool B: Belenenses Rugby 29, Verband 7; Monsanto 29, RC Lousã 5; Belenenses Rugby 12, Monsanto 10; RC Lousã 19, Verband 5; Belenenses Rugby 27, RC Lousã 7; Monsanto 40, Verband 7.
Pool C: Rugby Travel Barbarians 17, Técnico 14; Direito 33, Agrária de Coimbra 5; Direito 37, Técnico 5; Rugby Travel Barbarians 50, Agrária de Coimbra 0; Técnico 42, Agrária de Coimbra 10; Direito 19, Rugby Travel Barbarians 17.
Pool D: GDS Cascais 34, Belas RC 0; Gordon’s School 38, GDS Ericeirense 7; Gordon’s School 20, GDS Cascais 14; Belas RC 15, GDS Ericeirense 5; GDS Cascais 22, GDS Ericeirense 7; Gordon’s School 40, Belas RC 0.
Quarterfinals – Agronomia Rugby 19, Monsanto 7; Isle of Man 5, Belenenses 0; Direito 36, Cascais 5; Rugby Travel Barbarians 36, Gordon’s School 5.
Semi-Finals – Rugby Travel Barbarians 19, Isle of Man 7; Direito 31, Agronomia Rugby 0.
Final – Rugby Travel Barbarians 15, Direito 12.
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