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The Men’s Eagles completed a difficult International Sevens Series against Great Britain and Ireland with just one win from six matches. It wasn’t until their final opportunity of the three-day exhibition session that they finally found success.
A narrow defeat against Ireland in their opening match was followed by a heavy defeat to Great Britain. Slippery conditions and individual errors contributed to the defeats. Uncapped winger Malacchi Esdale notably scored in each game.
Day Two was equally frustrating for Mike Friday. Ireland ran out to a 31-nil lead before two second half scores improved the scoreline somewhat. The Eagles were more competitive against Great Britain, a Kevon Williams try closing the gap to just three points before conceding a final score to Dan Norton.
Monday’s first game was the worst of the weekend, a 33-nil blowout against Ireland. Friday apologized for his team in a social media post. To their credit, the Eagles rebounded with their best game of the weekend last. Madison Hughes led the way with two tries and three conversions to beat Great Britain.
The team now prepares for the ‘Quest For Gold’ tournament to be held at Dignity Health Sports Park in Los Angeles on the June 25-26 weekend. It will be the final warm-up event before departing for the Tokyo Olympics in July.
SATURDAY, MAY 15
Ireland 12 – 10 USA
(M. Esdale 1t, K. Williams 1t)
Great Britain 33 – 10 USA
(M. Brown 1t, M. Esdale 1t, M. Hughes 1c)
SUNDAY, MAY 16
Ireland 31 – 14 USA
(M. Esdale 1t, H. Wheeler 1t, M. Hughes 2c)
Great Britain 24 – 14 USA
(M. Brown 1t, K. Williams 1t, M. Hughes 2c)
MONDAY, MAY 17
Ireland 33 – 0 USA
Great Britain 14 – 33 USA
(M. Leuta 1t, M. Hughes 2t 3c, J. Schroeder 1t, H. Wheeler 1t, K. Williams 1t)
MEN’S EAGLES ROSTER
Maceo Brown, Malacchi Esdale, Naima Fuala’au, Madison Hughes (capt.), Martin Iosefo, Carlin Isles, Matai Leuta, Joe Schroeder, Faitala Talapusi, Stephen Tomasin, Marcus Tupuola, Anthony Welmers, Harley Wheeler, Kevon Williams
