In the build-up to the National Club 7s we're breaking down each pool on the men's and women's side. Stay tuned every day for another recap and then join us on Saturday as we'll be bringing you updates from Seattle. Earlier we looked at Pool C and Pool D.
Of all the pools at this year's tournament Pool B offers the most in terms of tradition. Three of the four teams in the pool have won the National Championship at least once while the other brings the tradition of being one of America's best traveling teams. When you put it all together you get a pool that should come down to the final match and one that could also offer up several surprises.
Take the jump to read more.
Old Blue
Along with Seattle and Denver, Old Blue are one of our picks to make it to the final (not that we haven't been wrong before!) and for good reason. Old Blue were the best team in the Northeast this season, a competition that is deep and has a large number of tournaments. Many of their squad play for the Northeast ODA team and will be with the team before traveling to play in the London leg of the World Club 7s.
At the heart of the team are players with significant 7s experience in Nate Augspurger and Luke Hume. Both players have the ability to take over a game if needed but can also play their individual role well. Other players to look out for on the team include James Bird, Derek Lipscomb, and Marcus Henderson. Youngster Morgan Findlay and Mike St. Claire have been impressive when given the opportunity.
Old Blue aren't invincible. They have been beaten in the Northeast this year but do have the experience to know how to manage a tournament. Look for them to at least advance out of the group if not make a run all the way to the final. Last year Old Blue took 3rd.
Squad: Fitzjames Adams, Nate Augspurger, James Bird, Morgan Findlay, Dan Freed-Pastor, Marcus Henderson, Luke Hume, Andy Kozak, Derek Lipscomb, Mike St.Claire, Jasper Steele, Dom Wareing (C)
1823
1823 are the only team in the pool not to have won a national title but in many regards they are the most accomplished of the teams in recent years. The core group of players playing for 1823 this weekend have been the backbone of Tiger Rugby teams that have gone to play in various teams around the world, including Perry Baker, Ryan Cochran, Mike Ziegler, Taylor Howden, and Dom Mauer.
The Paul Holmes led team finished second in the Midwest this year. They were a run away qualifier but still only beat the Chicago Lions once for a title in five tries in the Midwest (one was rained out and didn't have a winner). That has to be concerning for the team as nearly every team in their pool is the same calibre as the Lions. Additionally, if there is one knock against 1823 it's that at major tournaments they have achieved subpar results. They had a lackluster showing at the Elite City 7s and finished runners-up in the Bowl last year.
Squad: Markovich, Howden, Cochran, Ziegler, Higgins, Patick, Schade, Friedman, Hansen, Moeller, Baker, Mauer
Belmont Shore
Belmont Shore are third on the all-time list of champions with three wins in 12 appearances. Anytime you are talking about a team from Southern California you know they have a lot of solid rugby players. Belmont Shore showed that last year when they won the Plate. It says a lot about the program that for them it was a disappointing result. Led by Peter Sio the team will be looking to do much more this year. The team has has an under the radar season and judging by PRP standards had a down year. However, they did win SoCal in convincing fashion with a win at their home tournament and a win at the OTC 7s. In that tournament they beat runner-up Santa Monica by 40 points.
Maryland Exiles
The Maryland Exiles have won a national title but it's been awhile. Like the rest of the teams in their pool the Exiles had a relatively easy pathway to Seattle. The Exiles, along with Schuylkill River, had clinched a MAC spot with won tournament left to play. They then lost to Schuylkill River in the final tournament to take the second seed. Of all the teams in the pool the Exiles are the most likely to struggle. They are still working through their merger with PAC and it could impact the way they play.
Schedule
10:00--Old Blue vs. Maryland
10:20--Belmont Shore vs. 1823
1:00--Old Blue vs. 1823
1:20--Belmont Shore vs. Maryland
4:20--Old Blue vs. Belmont Shore, Maryland vs. 1823
Old Blue
Along with Seattle and Denver, Old Blue are one of our picks to make it to the final (not that we haven't been wrong before!) and for good reason. Old Blue were the best team in the Northeast this season, a competition that is deep and has a large number of tournaments. Many of their squad play for the Northeast ODA team and will be with the team before traveling to play in the London leg of the World Club 7s.
At the heart of the team are players with significant 7s experience in Nate Augspurger and Luke Hume. Both players have the ability to take over a game if needed but can also play their individual role well. Other players to look out for on the team include James Bird, Derek Lipscomb, and Marcus Henderson. Youngster Morgan Findlay and Mike St. Claire have been impressive when given the opportunity.
Old Blue aren't invincible. They have been beaten in the Northeast this year but do have the experience to know how to manage a tournament. Look for them to at least advance out of the group if not make a run all the way to the final. Last year Old Blue took 3rd.
Squad: Fitzjames Adams, Nate Augspurger, James Bird, Morgan Findlay, Dan Freed-Pastor, Marcus Henderson, Luke Hume, Andy Kozak, Derek Lipscomb, Mike St.Claire, Jasper Steele, Dom Wareing (C)
1823
1823 are the only team in the pool not to have won a national title but in many regards they are the most accomplished of the teams in recent years. The core group of players playing for 1823 this weekend have been the backbone of Tiger Rugby teams that have gone to play in various teams around the world, including Perry Baker, Ryan Cochran, Mike Ziegler, Taylor Howden, and Dom Mauer.
The Paul Holmes led team finished second in the Midwest this year. They were a run away qualifier but still only beat the Chicago Lions once for a title in five tries in the Midwest (one was rained out and didn't have a winner). That has to be concerning for the team as nearly every team in their pool is the same calibre as the Lions. Additionally, if there is one knock against 1823 it's that at major tournaments they have achieved subpar results. They had a lackluster showing at the Elite City 7s and finished runners-up in the Bowl last year.
Squad: Markovich, Howden, Cochran, Ziegler, Higgins, Patick, Schade, Friedman, Hansen, Moeller, Baker, Mauer
Belmont Shore
Belmont Shore are third on the all-time list of champions with three wins in 12 appearances. Anytime you are talking about a team from Southern California you know they have a lot of solid rugby players. Belmont Shore showed that last year when they won the Plate. It says a lot about the program that for them it was a disappointing result. Led by Peter Sio the team will be looking to do much more this year. The team has has an under the radar season and judging by PRP standards had a down year. However, they did win SoCal in convincing fashion with a win at their home tournament and a win at the OTC 7s. In that tournament they beat runner-up Santa Monica by 40 points.
Maryland Exiles
The Maryland Exiles have won a national title but it's been awhile. Like the rest of the teams in their pool the Exiles had a relatively easy pathway to Seattle. The Exiles, along with Schuylkill River, had clinched a MAC spot with won tournament left to play. They then lost to Schuylkill River in the final tournament to take the second seed. Of all the teams in the pool the Exiles are the most likely to struggle. They are still working through their merger with PAC and it could impact the way they play.
Schedule
10:00--Old Blue vs. Maryland
10:20--Belmont Shore vs. 1823
1:00--Old Blue vs. 1823
1:20--Belmont Shore vs. Maryland
4:20--Old Blue vs. Belmont Shore, Maryland vs. 1823