Saratoga Takes the 2024 Bermuda Intl 7s

Saratoga Jockeys lived up to pre-tournament expectations by defeating Dartmouth College 17-14 to win the Bermuda International Sevens college division at the National Sports Centre’s North Field on Saturday in Bermuda.

Playing for the first time in the annual event, the select side made up of under-23 college students from the United States and England, came in as one of the favorites despite the players along with previous winners Dartmouth (2016) and Norwich University (2019). Another pre-tournament favorite Iona University finished.

Tries from the tournament MVP Luca Holloway and Austin Gordon as well as a Rory Naylor conversion won it for Lain Zembek’s Saratoga Jockey's side. Luke Morrow scored two tries and the same number of conversions. The other Dartmouth try came from Tevita Moimoi. Tevita, a captain on the Dartmouth Football team, is getting his first taste of rugby. Look for big things in the future from this impressive student-athlete.

Dominic Wareing, the Dartmouth coach, expressed his disappointment about losing in the final.

"It’s a little bit disappointing to finish second and it’s always bittersweet for us to make it this far, play so well, and then lose out in the last play," Wareing said.

"That’s sevens rugby, I'm proud of the efforts and the way we hung in there and fought, so we’re excited for the rest of our season."

Bermuda All Stars finished sixth after losing 22-5 to Dartmouth II in the plate final. Teachers Rugby Club captain Ja’kee Simons, one of the outstanding players for the local side, hailed the two-day event.

"I think this rugby tournament is a great idea," Simons said. "It’s always a great idea to bring colleges and high schools to play on home turf."

Read the full story in Bermuda's Royal Gazette »

Goff Rugby Report covers the event »

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