Cavaliers on the march

SEVENS A number of Bath Combination players came together to reach the Plate final at the Newquay Surf 7s last weekend.

The West Country Cavaliers team featured Ben Withey, Lewis Whyte and Dan Smith of Stothert & Pitt and Keynsham duo Ben Bolster and James Hurrell-Smith, plus University of Bath winger Chris Ridgers and former Bath Rugby full-back Kieron Lewitt.

They played some fast, exciting rugby and improved as the day went on, battling through three gruelling knockout games before narrowly losing to the Phantoms from London in a close-fought affair.

The Cavaliers management found it tough to choose a player of the tournament but eventually settled on scrum-half Smith and centre Bolster, both of whom showed real talent and class.

Another Bath-based team, CLIC Sargent Godfathers, also competed and made it through to the last 16 of the Cup. They then came up against West Country 7s champions British Army, who went on to win their fourth successive competition.

Next stop for the Cavaliers is the prestigious Henley 7s on Saturday week, where they hope to be boosted by the return of ex-Bath Rugby players Charlie Perry and Gareth Knox.

Oldfield backs Rhidian McGuire and Alex Carlton- Porter are also due to appear, plus King Edward's School scrum-half James Arbury.