NYM went to the Rockaway 7s defending the Open divison with a larger than anticipated squad. Despite narrowly missing out on going through to the Open finals after numerous adjustments and finally getting 15s out of the system we made it to the Plate final, where we lost a close game to Reegs Oneonta Alumni. Although we didn't come away with a trophy the Open Cup game was not played due to the thumderstorms that halted play, technically meaning we still hold the trophy - Ed

Although we had a big turn out numbers wise (around 18 -20) we unfortunatley had only entered one team due to prior lack of commitment (take note and get availability for the rest of the summer to Ben Whitney - email). So first off I'd like to thank Gianni for coaching even though he wanted to play but sacraficed playing time to allow others to play. Also Ryan and Andy who, with Gianni, had the pain-staking task of picking a line up and trying to fit everyone in even though most got little playing time, THANK YOU! Also a big big THANKS to everyone who was there for being real team players. Everyone accepted the fact that we had to many numbers and supported their teamates regardless of the situation. Good work guys. Finally, thanks to the women for their support throughout the day!

As far as the tourney went, our first game was a bit rusty. We came out playing 15's, going into too much contact and allowing our opposition to take advantage of that and resulting in a loss. The second game was a small improvement, when we started playing sevens we dominated, we played mostly 15's again but still came out victorious.

Now into the playoff rounds in the Plate division our squad decided since we were here we would step it up. Our first playoff round showed a totally diffrent team. We played proper sevens, staying out of contact, moving the ball around and comunicating. U19's star Arnold Chavis started at scrum half had a GREAT game and scored some trys. Also new teamate John scored his first try for the club as well. On to the next round mother nature decided to give us 3 hour wait with thunder and lightning that the officals ruled unsafe conditions and made us wait and wait. Once the games were deemed safe to continue we were in the Finals. In the first half we went a bit backwards to the 15's style of play and the wet surface didnt help. The second half we did turn it around down one try we kept knocking on our opositions door with big breaks towards their try line but kept getting stopped just inches away. Some more unlucky breaks, drop balls, knock on 's etc.. and at the wistle we succumed to a 5-0 defaet.

All in all it was a good day. We had many new faces that had never played sevens and as the day progressed we started to really gel as a unit. For our next tournament we will have two sides and we should just get better from here; so it is important that you make 7's practices if you think you would like to play in the next tournament. Once again THANKS to the U19 and IONA guys for showing up to play and to the other usual suspects for a good day.

Nick the Greek