The pre-season rugby sevens competition took over at the Port Douglas Sports Complex on the weekend with teams from far and wide competing in the event.

120 players from 12 teams from as far away as Cairns, Townsville, Innisfail and Mackay, took part in the round-robin competition, and the successful day could not have been better scripted culminating in a nail-biting final which saw Southside pip Cairns Brothers to take the title.
 
With the score 26 to 20 in favour of Brothers with just two minutes remaining, it seemed victory was unlikely for Brothers. But in the last play of the day, and as the hooter sounded, Southside forced their way over the line. A successful conversion took the final score to 27 to 26.
 
Southside chose the Royal Flying Doctor Service as their preferred charity, and thanks to Hibiscus Gardens Resort they will receive the $500 prize cheque.
 
Port Raiders were victorious in the Plate Competition, "finally working out how to play sevens in the last game," according to captain Nick Sherston.
 
The Raiders expressed thanks to their sponsors; Rattle & Hum, Port Douglas Fuels, Hot Pot catering, Parrotfish Lodge and Hibiscus Gardens Resort, Raine & Horne and Port Douglas Surf Life Saving Club.
 
"We would also like to thank the Douglas Cricket Association for rearranging their draw so we could have access to all the facilities for warming up and the club house amenities," said the Raiders' Denise McHugh.
 
The next major event for the Raiders is an international against a New Zealand squad, Awatere Rugby Club, on Friday 24 February from 7pm. 

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