Lydon lauds England victory

England stunned the two superpowers of the sevens game on their way to winning a World Series event in Brisbane yesterday. They beat Fiji 28-14 in an enthralling final, having already knocked out New Zealand 19-14 in the last four.

The English thoroughly deserved their victory in the final, inspired by the kicking of Ben Gollings and the pace of Ugo Monye. "Our players showed a nice balance of experience and power," the England sevens manager and former Wigan rugby league player, Joe Lydon, said. "Simon Amor was a superb captain while Nathan McAvoy, Will Skinner and Ugo Monye were outstanding."

It was a stunning finish to a tournament most had expected to be contested between the Fijians and New Zealand. But England upset that prediction in the semi- finals, their robust defence forcing key errors from the men in black. "It was the first time that we have beaten New Zealand in sevens and they were gracious in defeat," Lydon said.

Four minutes into the final England capitalised after Fiji's Nasoni Rokobiau was sent to the sin-bin. Two minutes later Tony Rogers scythed through the Fijian defence for a try which was converted by Ben Gollings.

Fiji hit back but in the closing minutes England sealed victory when Amor brilliantly set up Gollings for a try he converted himself. Monye then produced a stunning display of pace for one further crucial score.

The sending to the sin-bin of Gloucester's Kiwi-born full-back Henry Paul did not hamper the England cause. Fiji cruised through their semi-final, defeating France 26-19.