Early exit for young side at the M7s

Defeat at the hands of Leicester Tigers and London rivals Saracens ends Wasps Middlesex Sevens hopes at Twickenham.

After a late withdrawl of Dominic Waldouck, replaced by Damien Varley - currently on loan from Munster, a young Wasps outfit including new signings Henry Barratt, Lachlan Mitchell and five academy talents made an early exit from the Middlesex Sevens at Twickenham today. Slipping to defeat in the penultimate first round clash, Wasps fell at the hands of Leicester Tigers after an extra time try from England Elite squad man, George Chuter, denied the Londoners an opportunity to reclaim their 2006 title.

In a rematch between the Guinness Premiership finalists, it was Tigers who forged an early lead with an opening score from England Sevens captain Tom Croft. Successfully converted by Rickie Aley, Wasps Academy and England U18s, Christian Wade did his bit to close the seven point deficit with an impressive 60 metre break to the line. The boot of Wasps IRB World Player nominee, Joe Simpson, secured a further two points and as the first half drew to a close both sides remained level.

In the second half it was Tigers who again made the first cross of the white wash, this time Aley chipped over the defence and gathered the bouncing ball to score before adding his second conversion of the day.

Quick to respond, Wasps upped the pace and a try from Rob Webber, converted by captain Chris Bishay, followed to bring the sides even once more. With a minute to go Wasps and England U20s, Mark Odejobi, threatened to snatch victory racing past Tigers defence only to be denied a match-winning score by Marco Wentzel who bounded the Academy youngster into touch.

With the scores level at final whistle, extra time followed with qualification going to the team first to put points on the board. Despite Wasps best efforts however it was the Croft, Chuter combination who won the day, the latter crossing the line to pick up five points and a place in the quarter finals.

With the title out of reach, Wasps moved to the plate competition battling Saracens for a place in the semi final. It was not their day though and despite tries from Bishay and James Honeyben, a fast paced Sarries outfit glided past Wasps defence to secure a 34-10 victory.

London Wasps Middlesex sevens squad: 1. Matt Corker, 2. Mark Odejobi, 3. Rob Webber, 4. Henry Barratt, 5. James Honeyben, 6. Christian Wade, 7. Chris Bishay (c), 8. Michael Kedgley, 9. Rob Hoadley, 10. Damien Varley, 11. Lachlan Mitchell, 12. Joe Simpson