By Nate San Nicolas

It was a great Friday night under the lights for the rugby community as the Heinekin Rugby Sevens Tournament got underway at the LeoPalace Resort and it was exciting from beginning to end.

The tournament features some of the greatest rugby athletes on island from the youthful high school standouts to the big Guam rugby names like Zach Pangelinan. No matter what teams were on the field throughout the night, big plays and big hits were bound to happen, and spectators were definitely impressed with what these men and women brought out to the field.

The Reds take on team Halu’u during their second game of pool play on day one of the Heineken’s Guam Rugby Sevens tournament. (photo by Asha Robles)

One might suspect a 14-minute game to be too short for these athletes to create some action, but those seven players on each side know how to excite a crowd. With such a big field as well, these players have free range of exposing their talents and skills from stepping past defenders to cringing hits and explosive tries.

Some of the impressive hits and power plays could be seen in every game, especially with the ladies showing their fair share of toughness on that field. With so many games of the night and so many faces on the field, you didn’t want to turn your head because you might just miss some of the mind blowing action.

Although most of the attention was to the players on the field, there was inevitable fun with the spectators on the sidelines as the concessions provided food and beverages to make the night even more enjoyable. The entire atmosphere of the tournament exemplified great vibes and a good time as families and friends gathered to enjoy the sport, and even Governor Eddie Baza Calvo made an appearance to support the event.

If you missed the games tonight, not to worry because the action continues tomorrow starting at 2 PM at LeoPalace, and the playoffs rounds are set to the of the day. This weekend is just a start to a month filled with rugby as Heinekin Rugby 15s games start up next weekend. Although Tropical Storm Halong delayed the kickoff of the event, Tropical Productions definitely made this tournament worth the wait.

PHOTO GALLERY:

The Reds take on team Halu’u during their second game of pool play on day one of the Heineken’s Guam Rugby Sevens tournament. (photo by Asha Robles)

The Lions and Ziggys battle it out during the 1st round of pool play on day one of the Heineken’s Guam Rugby Sevens tournament. (photo by Asha Robles)

The Lions and Ziggys battle it out during the 1st round of pool play on day one of the Heineken’s Guam Rugby Sevens tournament. (photo by Asha Robles)

The Lions and Ziggys battle it out during the 1st round of pool play on day one of the Heineken’s Guam Rugby Sevens tournament. (photo by Asha Robles)

The Lions and Ziggys battle it out during the 1st round of pool play on day one of the Heineken’s Guam Rugby Sevens tournament. (photo by Asha Robles)