Gordon kicked an unlikely conversion to win the final of the Men’s division of the 50th Kiama Sevens on a wet and wild weekend on the NSW South Coast. 

Following a week of heavy rain, the Stags met arch rivals Norths in the final match of a wet tournament. 

The two sides traded tries, both scoring twice in the final, with a drop kicked conversion from a wet and muddy field proving the difference. 

Earlier in the day, Gordon edged past Canberra club side Gunghalin in the semi final, while Norths defeated Manly 19-7. 

Manly then produced their best performance of the day, to beat Gunghalin comfortably to win the Plate final. 

“Gunghalin had been brilliant all day but just ran out of puff in the Plate final against Manly,” tournament director Mark Bryant told Rugby News. 

“Manly probably had a little bit more fitness and probably utilised their squad a little better than the Canberra boys and that showed in the final.”

In the Women’s division, Burraneer claimed the title in their first tournament in new colours. The Chris Nay led side, who had previously played as Southern Districts were too good for Sydney Uni 19-0 in the final. 

“Chris has done a fantastic job with that team and is a credit to women’s rugby,” Bryant said. 

“The skill of the girls in the wet was outstanding. I’d say they pass both ways better than most of the boys these days. Most of them have picked up the game in recent years and haven’t been coached bad habits like the boys. It’s great to watch. 

Central West side Parkes defeated Albury Wodogna in the Country Cup final, while the Grenfell Panthers’ again proved popular, streaking through the main field during halftime in the Men’s final. 

“Considering how wet it was, it was a fantastic weekend,” Bryant said. 

“It’s a credit to all the clubs and teams that turned up. It would have been very easy for them to pull the pin, but everyone showed up and gave it their best.

“That’s the spirit of the Kiama 7s, which is great to see in our 50th year.” 

Photo: Andrew Quinn