Two age groups of both boys and girls played across the weekend at the Tathra Beach Country Club ground with boys play contested on Saturday and ladies hitting the field on Sunday. 

South Coast 7s director Lachlan Creighton from the ACT Brumbies said it was fantastic to host the second Tathra edition of the 7s and welcomed “a good mix of talent” across the weekend. 

Boys played Saturday, where the FSC Falcons contingent was made up largely of rugby league boys playing cross-code. 

However, a spokeswoman said the group adapted well and having never played together finished fourth out of the six squads in their age group. 

Mr Creighton said it was fantastic to see the “door open” to players from all other codes and that the Brumbies were excited to welcome anyone for a game of rugby. 

“That cross-code translation is always healthy and opens it up for us to look at some new talent as well,” he said. 

The winning boys’ teams were the St Edmunds Blue team in the under 16s, while the 18s crown fell to the Uni North Owls. 

However, on Sunday, the strong FSC Falcons featured in both the under 15s and under 17s finals. 

Unfortunately, the visitors proved too strong on both counts, but Mr Creighton said it was phenomenal to see the fledgling club holding its own against teams like the Canberra Royals. 

“In the under 15s Batemans Bay took on the Falcons and the Bay scored a try and kicked a conversion after the siren to take out the Cup final,” Mr Creighton said. 

He said the Bay team had contested the ACT Super 7s and had also won the 14s age group in their respective divisions. 

17s play saw the Falcons narrowly going down to the Royals. 

“We were very impressed [by the quality of play], especially with how well the under 15s are progressing,” Mr Creighton said. 

“They’re coming along in leaps and bounds in their understanding of the game and their skill level. 

“Particularly Braidwood, who only started playing in the back end of last year.”

Organisers were delighted with the number of teams taking part and commended everyone who threw on a jersey.  “We want to have tournaments that these kids can be involved in; we love to see the game growing and it’s good to see the development of players and continued strength in the code,” Mr Creighton said. 

“I just want to thank and congratulate everyone involved over the weekend from those playing to the volunteers and spectators who made it a great weekend.

“Rugby is thriving on the coast and we’re opening the door to anybody to come and join in.”