As the sun sets on another spectacular rugby sevens season, Scimitar Storm can proudly look back on their exhilarating journey through a series of exciting tournaments.
The whirlwind adventure culminated in a number of triumphs, challenges, and the forging of a resilient team spirit. With the finale of Storm’s season marked by a double weekender at both the Cheltenham 7s Festival and the South Island Sevens, we’d like to take this opportunity to extend our appreciation to all of the players and sponsors who were involved in the 2023 campaign.
Before we sign it off, let’s take a moment to relive some of the highlights of 2023.
Rosslyn Park Floodlit 7s
Kicking the sevens calendar off in style, the journey began at the Rosslyn Park Floodlit 7s, where Scimitar Storm dominated their group. It was, however, a setback in the semi-final, which prevented Storm from kicking the season off with silverware, where an experienced Ramblin’ Jesters side came through on top.
Amsterdam 7s
There was a defining moment for Stom at the 50th International Amsterdam Sevens tournament, which Scimitar were the official apparel sponsors. Despite a challenging Saturday with losses to Bristol Uni and Ain Team Rugby 7s, Sunday shone brightly for Storm as they secured victory in all five games. This winning streak earned Storm the prestigious title of Boot Winners in their first year of entry.
Edinburgh City 7s
|n what can only be described as the ultimate comeback story after a 40-0 hammering in the group stages, Storm conquered every challenge in Edinburgh to emerge as champions. It was also a repeat of the Rosslyn Park Floodlit 7s final, with Storm this time overcoming the resilient challenge of the Jesters (who were the side to beat Storm 40-0 earlier in the day).
Chester 7s
As we headed towards the end of June, the annual Chester 7s tournament saw Storm charge into the finals undefeated. With commendable efforts from players like Rorio Zheng and Dan Hamilton-Strong, the team clinched a well-deserved spot in the final, only to be outdone by the reinvigorated and highly experienced Akuma Agents.
Heart of Wales 7s
With determination and resilience, Storm looked to bounce back rapidly from the final heartbreak at Chester 7s on their previous tour. With a number of commanding victories and key performances, Storm secured a third trophy of the season with victory in the Plate Final. A 32-12 win over Reme Rugby saw Storm celebrate with a traditional spraying of champagne!
Broadstreet 7s
The momentum from Wales was to be carried into the Broadstreet 7s, where Scimitar Storm’s invincible start carried them through an undefeated run to the final. You may well see a trend developing here with some of the finalists, as it was the Akuma Agents standing between Storm and further success. It was to be the men in pink’s day however, claiming the cup with a 26-14 victory.
Cheltenham 7s / South Island Sevens
The season wrapped up at Cheltenham & Ryde (Isle of Wight) with a focus on nurturing the next generation of stars. Two development squads, filled with youthful potential, graced the South Island 7s and Cheltenham 7s, showcasing a dedication to introducing new players and giving them the platform and .
Scimitar were the official sponsors of both the Cheltenham 7’s Festival and the South Island 7’s, with official merchandise and branding (such as post protectors scrim roll, match balls and refereeing uniforms). We understand that sponsorship is more than just a logo; It’s a commitment to enhance the entire event experience. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed to these events’ success.
Memorable Moments and Remarkable Players
1. Consistent Performers: Fin Lloyd Gilmour & Adam Mclean’s unwavering dedication and exceptional performance throughout the season showcased their promising potential.
2. Edinburgh Triumph: Winning the esteemed Edinburgh 7s, after defeating the 3rd, 2nd, and 1st place seeds on day 2, solidified #ScimitarStorm as a recognized and respected 7s team.
3. Stepping Up: The season’s success paved the way for new opportunities and higher-standard competitions, as Scimitar Storm aims to evolve even further in the coming seasons.
4. Remarkable Contributions: The team’s strength was bolstered by players like Jon Searle, Charlie Hudson, and Ryan Apps, along with the emergence of young talents like Kieran Gilmour, George Worthington, and Jake Metcalfe, highlighting the team’s depth and potential.
Cheers to the power of partnership. To creating unforgettable moments, and to a future filled with more exciting collaborations with generational talent.
Scimitar Storm conclude 2023 with heads held high, a generous trophy cabinet and eyes set on a promising 2024.
