Rugby 7s players hold ground

The CNMI Rugby Sevens Team’s Stanley Iakopo is tackled by a defender during one of their games in the 2017 Heineken Guam Rugby Sevens held at the University of Guam Calvo Field House in Mangilao over the weekend. (Contributed Photo)

The CNMI Rugby Sevens Team proved a point after advancing to the semifinals of last weekend’s 2017 Heineken Guam Rugby Sevens held at the University of Guam Calvo Field House in Mangilao.

“I am extremely proud of our team’s performance. They showed courage before, during, and after every game, despite not having any rugby experience,” said Northern Marianas Rugy Union president and team member Stanley Iakopo, whose squad saw action in an organized tournament for the first time.

Joining Iakopo on the group are Neemia Vaiagae, Tim Asaivao, Malani Raass, Misionare Tuitamai, Stewart Toilolo, Alvin Takai, Fred Apolo, Kelvin Fitial, Ben Jones Jr., Kentson Tammy, Irvin Olopai, and Oscar Setefano and coach Viliame Kaitabu, and they challenged well-established squads in Guam.

“We knew that we’re up against experienced rugby teams, but the CNMI National Rugby Team showed a lot of heart and played their best. We made it to the semifinals which proved that the CNMI is up on the rugby board and we will be ready for Vanuatu,” Iakopo added.

The Commonwealth team debuted with a tough win against BBC, 7-5, before pounding Maga’Lahi in its second game in Pool A, 19-0. The CNMI made in three in a row and posted its biggest winning margin after hammering Alliance, 31-0. Iakopo and company dueled Alliance anew for their last match in the elimination round and kept their perfect record going into the semifinals after another lopsided victory, 27-0.

In the semis, the CNMI was paired against Flying Proas, which was also unbeaten in the eliminations, earning a 3-0 record. The Flying Proas eked out a 12-5 victory over Southside and then shut down Alliance, 36-0, and BCC, 21-0. The Flying Proas went on to extend their winning run and end the CNMI’s streak after registering a 14-5 win in the semifinals. The Flying Proas eventually took the championship in the tournament following a 12-7 triumph over Guam Rugby Clug Aiga in the finals, while the Commonwealth played in the battle for third place and bowed to Southside, 7-17.

Meanwhile, after competing in the weekend event, the CNMI Rugby Sevens Team will take a week off and resumes its training sessions on Tuesday. The group will also host three squads from Guam and play training matches with them to warm up for the Mini Games