David Strettle (Rotherham) kicked off the tries in the final against Fiji, scoring his ninth of the tournament and earning himself the Leading Try Scorer title. Andy Vilk (Northampton) continued to show the outstanding form he has shown all tournament when he scored the second of the match. Fiji’s only try came from Timoci Volavola which Waisale Serevi failed to convert.

England led at the break 14-5, but it was in the second half that England turned up the heat and made the trophy theirs. Mathew Tait was outstanding with an early second half try and some great defensive work throughout the final, saving England from conceding more tries on several occasions. Vilk added another to his tally, followed by tries from substitute Nils Mordt (London Irish) and Ben Gollings.

The final score of 38-5 was satisfying for the squad who lost to France in Wellington last weekend and had to make do with the Plate win.

England Sevens Coach Mike Friday said, “It has been a long hard week and I am thrilled that the squad finished it off with a win. The squad have been on a journey the last two weeks and have shown tonight that they have learned the lessons of Wellington.  The only difference between our performance tonight and last weekend is the little things, the small attention to detail in the player’s preparation and application.  This week they have applied themselves, their preparation and attention to detail has been phenomenal. The performance from the whole squad was outstanding and everyone focused as soon as they stepped on the pitch.

It was satisfying to win in such style, and I am proud of all of them.  Henry proved a great captain, in the absence of Simon Amor, and he has worked hard to galvanize this young squad. All the new boys were outstanding as was Mathew Tait, who has shown how he is developing into the world class player that we know he is.”

Friday explained how the three year anniversary of the death of Commonwealth Games squad member Nick Duncombe was very much on the minds of the squad as they took to the field. “Several of the squad including Dan Luger and assistant coach Phil Greening, were very aware of the anniversary this week of Nick’s tragic death. We reminded the players of Queenie (as he was known) and Nick was in everyone’s thoughts during the game.”

Scorers:
England – Tries: Strettle, Vilk (2), Tait, Nils, Gollings
Conversions: Gollings (4)

England:
Luke Narraway (Gloucester), Ben Gollings, Andy Vilk (Northampton Saints),
Dave Seymour (Saracens), Henry Paul (Gloucester) Captain, Mathew Tait (Newcastle Falcons), David Strettle (Rotherham)
Replacements: Danny Care (Leeds Tykes), Nils Mordt (London Irish), Dan Luger,
Replacements not used: Will Matthews (Gloucester), Ollie Phillips (Newcastle Falcons)

Fiji:
From: Timoci Volvavola, Mosese Volavola, Jone Daunivucu, Waisale Serevi, Sakiusa Matadiago, Neumi Nanuku, David Batiratu, Epeli Dranivasa, William Ryder, Lepania Nabuliwaqu, Sireli Naqelevuki, Dale Tonawai

Referee: Lecke (Aus)

Earlier in the day England beat Argentina 19-15 in the quarter finals, and won 38-0 against South Africa in the semi finals.

Ends.