HOST club Borneo Eagles Club (ERC) were in rampant form on the opening day of the Borneo Sevens in Sandakan today (Saturday).
The Eagles, who are in search of their sixth Borneo Sevens title, did not concede a single try as they steamrolled both Chinese Taipei and Belgium Barbarians 47-0 (both matches same score) at the Eagles Rugby Club Stadium.
Eagles coach Josh Van Lieshout, who is a former All Blacks player, said he had very little to complain about his charges opening day performance.
The wins saw ERC advancing to the quarterfinals as Group C champions. They will play sister team, Sabah Eagles, for a spot in the final-four tomorrow (Sunday).
Eagles also won both their matches against Thailand (40-7) and Wipers Hugo Labuan (46-0) to emerge Group D champions.
“You just never know what to expect when you put together a team in such a short time. We are really happy,” said Van Lieshout.
“There are still a lot of details we need to tidy up but you can’t really complain as there were no tries scored against us.
“We will look to keep the ball alive little bit more tomorrow, use our energy a little more wisely and improve our defence.
“My expectations for the team is going to be a lot higher tomorrow because we have already had a few games to warm up.”
The Malaysia national team (Rimau) despite losing their opening Group B game against Hong Kong 42-7, progressed to the quarterfinals after downing Australian side Caloundra 28-0.
The women’s competition witnessed Japanese teams Pearls and Nagato Blues, both dominating the proceedings.
Pearls defeated Hong Kong 34-0, Singapore 57-0 and Philippines 42-0 to top Group A.
The Blues opened with an easy 34-0 win over Sabah Eagles followed by equally comfortable wins over Malaysia (38-0) and Australian side Southern District (12-0) to emerge Group B champions.
All eight teams competing in the women’s competition progressed to the quarterfinals. The group stages only determined their seeding for the last-eight.
Men’s Cup Quarterfinal draw: Iconz (Aus) vs Malaysia, Borneo Eagles (Mas) vs Thailand, Sabah Eagles (Mas) vs Belgium Barbarians, Hong Kong vs Wipers Tsunami (Mas)
Women’s Quarterfinal draw: Pearls (Jap) vs Sabah Eagles (Mas), Southern District (Aus) vs Lady Volcanoes (Ph), Hong Kong vs Malaysia, Nagato Blues (Jap) vs Singapore.
