It's all Counties Manukau at sevens

Counties Manukau win both the men's and women's national sevens titles
STEPHEN BARKER/PHOTOSPORT. Jubilant Counties Manukau players with their national sevens trophy in Rotorua.

Counties Manukau have scored a notable sevens double, winning both the men's and women's national titles at Rotorua.

It was back-to-back success for the men's Counties side, defending their crown from last year with a 14-7 win over a gritty Waikato, while the women's side beat defending champions Manawatu 24-17 in the final.

Sevu Reece scored the opening try of the men's final for Waikato after scooping the ball up and sprinting 50 metres to the line.

SHERI BANKS. Portia Woodman showed her class in the women's final with a treble of tries.

But Sherwin Stowers hit back for Counties and the scores were locked up at 7-7 at halftime.

?Isaac Te Tamaki pulled off a try-saving tackle early in the second spell for Waikato, and with both teams out on their feet, it was Counties who hit the lead through Peni Buakula.

?With time ticking away, Waikato, for whom Zac Guildford was co-captain, had a late chance just after the full-time hooter, but a loose ball ended their chance of forcing the game into extra time.

The Counties side had a close shave in their semifinal, edging out Wellington 15-12, while Waikato thrashed Taranaki 31-7.

In the women's final, Counties Manukau were too strong, with Portia Woodman scoring three tries as they scooted away to a 24-0 lead and claimed their first ever title.

Manawatu fought back with courage, but were a converted try away from taking the final into extra time.

Sarah Goss and Kristina Sue dotted down to spark Manawatu's comeback, which saw them notch 17 unanswered points in quick-time.

In their desperation to knot the game up, ill-discipline crept into the final minutes of the game as both teams copped yellow cards. Counties were reduced to five players at one stage.

Earlier, Counties dispatched Waikato 33-0 in the semifinals to advance to the decider.

Results:

Men  -

Cup semifinals: Waikato 31 Taranaki 7, Counties Manukau 15, Wellington 12. Final: Counties Manukau 14 Waikato 7. Shield final: Otago 28 Southland 0. Bowl final: Bay of Plenty 19 Canterbury 14. Plate final: Auckland 28, Tasman 21.

Women -

 Cup semifinals: Manawatu 12 Auckland 7, Counties Manukau 33 Waikato 0. Play off for 3rd: Auckland 28 Waikato 5.