England made it two wins from two matches on day one of the Emirates Airline Dubai Sevens today, with two tries from Sale centre, and Commonwealth silver medallist, Andy Vilk.  The morning humidity gave way to drizzle more likely to be seen at Twickenham than in Dubai, and England used the conditions to take the young side to an emphatic win over Zimbabwe.

Vilk, 25, scored twice to add to his try this morning, and was joined on the score sheet by Rob Thirlby (Gloucester), Marcel Garvey (Worcester) and David Doherty (London Wasps).  In just two matches, five of England’s new caps have already scored a try.

England had to defend well in the opening minutes and it was thanks to Vilk’s run the length of the field that England took the lead.  London Wasps winger David Doherty, only 19, showed great form on his debut although he is no stranger to Dubai having played in the Under 19s World Cup in April.

Speaking after the game, Marcel Garvey, who has scored two in two, said he was enjoying the experience, “I have scored twice so that is always good!  I am really enjoying the atmosphere and occasion.  The crowd are big and very vocal, and there is a lot of noise for England. This is definitely a step up in intensity from the Guinness Premiership in both the fitness required and the fact you are playing against international players.”

England Sevens Coach Mike Friday said, “So far so good but we have only played twice. The players are showing glimpses of what they can do but they are making mistakes as I would expect. Fortunately those mistakes haven’t cost us a game so far.”