Sport

Sevens Heaven for All Stars at Kimberley Easter Tournament

Danie van der Lith|Published

The Easter Sevens Rugby Tournament, held at the Kimberley Rugby Club over the Easter weekend, lived up to its promise of explosive rugby action, thrilling spectators with its trademark combination of speed, skill, and flair. The SA All Stars team from Pretoria walked away with the trophy after demonstrating their dominance on the field.

Image: Supplied

PRETORIA’S SA All Stars proved unstoppable at the 2025 Easter Sevens Rugby Tournament, capping a flawless campaign with a 21-12 victory over Sol Plaatje University (SPU) in a thrilling final at the Kimberley Rugby Club.

Played over two days of sun-soaked action and passionate support, the final pitted two of the tournament’s most dominant teams against each other in front of a buzzing crowd. SPU matched the All Stars stride for stride in a tense opening phase, but the Pretoria outfit — blending pace, power, and precision — broke clear in the closing minutes to seal the title.

Their unbeaten run, including a 50-0 demolition of the Bomb Squad in the semi-finals and a commanding 33-19 win over SPU in the group stages, confirmed their status as the tournament’s class act.

Tournament organisers hailed the event as a resounding success. “This tournament showcased what South African rugby is all about – community, competition, and passion,” said one of the event coordinators. “From the school matches to the senior final, the level of rugby on display was simply outstanding.”

Though the Kimberlites battled hard, the All Stars prevailed again, this time beating them 37-15.

Image: Danie van der Lith

The tournament kicked off on Friday with spirited schoolboy contests. In the Under-16 opener, William Pescod High School narrowly lost to HTS 19-12, but Pescod bounced back in the Under-19 match with an emphatic 26-7 win — a powerful response that set the tone for a weekend of high-intensity sevens rugby.

Friday’s club action saw heavyweights emerge early. The SA All Stars opened their campaign with a 47-5 dismantling of the Legends, while SPU delighted the home crowd by brushing aside the Bomb Squad 33-0.

By Saturday, the competition reached another gear. 

SPU continued their charge with a 45-0 thrashing of the Legends, but stumbled against the All Stars in a fast-paced 33-19 clash. The Kimberlites, another strong local side, made a bold statement by overpowering the Bomb Squad 47-0 and shutting out the Legends 55-0 before falling to the All Stars 37-15. SPU eventually rallied with a 31-12 win over the Kimberlites.

SPU locked horns with the Kimberlites in an all-local showdown, prevailing 37-18 in a match that highlighted their discipline and attacking rhythm.

Image: Danie van der Lith

In the semi-finals, SPU and the Kimberlites delivered a fiery local derby. SPU’s cohesion and attacking flair earned them a 37-18 win, while the All Stars booked their place in the final with a ruthless 43-0 rout of the Bomb Squad.

The final delivered on every promise. 

SPU’s resolve was clear, but the All Stars’ composure under pressure and ability to strike when it mattered proved the difference. Their clinical execution earned them the 2025 crown — and left a lasting impression on the Kimberley crowd.

For teams like SPU and William Pescod, the tournament offered more than just competition — it was a showcase of local talent and pride. For the All Stars, it was a platform to underline national pedigree and sporting excellence.

The Sol Plaatje University team beat the Kimberlites 37-18 in a thrilling match.

Image: Danie van der Lith