Photos: Greg Homolka (see more)
Heading into the Rugby Oregon 7s championship, it was tough to call any one team a “favorite,” considering the close contests that occurred during the five regular-season tournaments. That competitiveness continued right through the Gold Division’s semifinals, and Linn Benton prevailed with a one-point victory and first 7s state championship.
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“You’re always a little nervous [for the playoffs], but they knew they had a legitimate shot,” said Linn Benton coach Curt Betts. “We talked after we lost to Grant [on Oct. 14], and that experience was really good for them. It kept them from getting cocky, and they never forgot that games against Grant and the Renegades had been so close all season. They were confident, but they weren’t overconfident, and they stayed focused.”
The Gold Division semifinals saw the Renegades defeat Grant 21-17. Linn Benton watched that match and then beat the Valley Panthers 41-5 in its semifinal.
“The play was as expected. [Renegades and Grant] both play a little more traditional 7s than we do, since we’re bigger. We tend to run a little more straight ahead than they do,” Betts said as the team scouted its final opponent. “If the players had seen a completely different style of play, maybe that would have got them thinking a bit, but it wouldn’t have mattered too much. They’re confident in their game so long as they execute and control the tempo.”
In advance of the final, the Valley Panthers rallied to defeat Grant 20-12 in the third-place match, reminding the finalists that any team can win on any day.
Valley Panthers / Photo: Greg Homolka for Rugby Oregon
Linn Benton jumped ahead in the championship bout, sending Kassie Worley and Miya Claborn into the corners for tries. The Renegades answered with a well worked try, which contrasted with the means – speed – that teams typically employ to score against Linn Benton. But a third try from Emily Train re-established Linn Benton’s lead, 15-7, into the break.
“At the end of the first half, they felt good. They were able to control the tempo and had a lead, but it wasn’t comfortable enough,” Betts said. “I reminded them to be smart but there were no real adjustments. At that point, you start to play the clock a bit and it didn’t look like anyone was too terribly tired because of the two-game format. When there’s three games, sometimes we’re more tired than the all-backs teams.”
A mental lapse allowed the Renegades to close in. Linn Benton reacted slowly to a penalty, and the Renegades’ speedy scrumhalf tore away for a try. A third try followed, and with the two conversions, the Renegades led 19-15 into the last minute of play.
Linn Benton vs. Renegades / Photo: Greg Homolka
“They’ve been talking about it for a while – never having a 7s championship,” Betts remembered the mood into the final moments of the game. “We knew we would get the ball again and have one more opportunity to score. It was whether or not they made a mistake – like a knock-on – while marching down the field.”
The Renegades sent the restart to Claborn, who is hard to stop with a head of steam. She returned the ball approximately 30 meters to the Renegades’ 22, and from there, another three phases put Worley away for the game-winning try, 20-19. The final whistle blew with the conversion attempt.
“It was a nail-biter, like many of the games we’ve had this season,” Betts said after the team’s first-ever 7s championship, which pairs with Linn Benton’s varsity 15s state title from the spring. “They were happy but tried not to get excited – you want to show good sportsmanship. There were lots of hugs and cheering, and cheering up the other team.”
In the Silver Division, the final was equally as tense, as Newberg Blue and the Timberwolves scored two tries apiece. But Newberg Blue connected on one conversion for the 12-10 win.
For full results, visit www.rugbyoregon.com.
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