BARBO 7S UNDEFEATED THROUGH TWO TOURNAMENTS, SHIFTING FOCUS TO SUNPLASH 7S
Jack Miller hits the edge, continuing his great form from 15s where he won Man of the Match in the National Championship Final just a few weeks ago…
The Denver Barbo 7’s program is renowned for producing home grown talent and continually competing at the highest level. Saturday June, 24th at Prospect Park was no exception. The Barbos finished 1,2 and went undefeated in pool play throughout the day. The Barbo A side was led by Mickey Bateman & Malik Bryant who both scored early and often throughout the day. The Barbo B side had multiple standouts including Nick Johnson, Thomas LaMuraglia & USA 7’s Eagle Ben Pinkelman.
Throughout the day, both teams played with tenacity & focus. Each game built upon the last, and the focus turned to the next job. But it wasn’t just grit and discipline that helped the Barbos thrive … some individual creativity and brilliance was the icing on top of a great Saturday of 7’s. David Hightower stood tall during restarts and the lads were clinical in their attack. It was a qualifying tournament that the Barbos had to win to raise their hand for Nationals, and they stepped up.
Your Denver 7’s 2023 Champs. Ian Wormer was named Player of the Tournament
But it wasn’t long until the players had to roll back out to the training paddock, and get prepared for a tournament in Lincoln, NE. Corn Country. This one would bring a different brand of rugby than Denver 7’s, and was to be played on turf instead of traditional grass. It was always shaping up to be a physical encounter, and the men in Green & White set out to put a defensive stamp on their style of play.
In the end, the Barbos put up a performance on July 1st that was air-tight. Rolling defensive pressure from one ruck to the next, the men in Green & White stood on their head and held a full day shutout. Holding a 7’s shutout for a single game or two is a feat that takes tenacity and grit … to hold it for 5 straight games is a testament to the attitude of the playing group throughout the day.
Your 2023 Hooligan 7’s Champs. Luke Neely was named Player of the Tournament
Eric Sykes brought a physical presence to each tackle and every ruck throughout the day. Jack Miller scored multiple tries in multiple games and was lethal in attack.
In the blink of an eye, the Barbos have racked up 13 straight wins on the summer 7’s circuit. They defeated the Omaha Goats 47-0 in the final, hopped back in the vans headed west to Denver with a new focus. The next step. The next job. Sun Splash 7’s in Los Angeles.
Here’s a soundbite from Barbo 7’s skipper Mickey Bateman on the past two weeks and the task ahead:
If you’re based in SoCal, come support the team this weekend. Games will be all day, Saturday 7/8.
Come out to Oak Middle School, Oak Street, Los Alamitos, CA and support the squad!
10821 Oak St, Los Alamitos, CA 90720
Here are the 13 players named to represent the jersey in Los Angeles at Sun Splash 7’s.
Mickey Bateman
Ben Pinkelman
Alex Wormer
David Hightower
Jack Miller
Ian Wormer
Campbell Johnstone
Nick Johnson
Devarius Miller
Liam Wynne
Luke Neely
Thomas LaMuraglia
Luca Tani