Defending champions on track at Lawaqa Park
The Aussie Pearls were undefeated as they reached the semi-finals
©Fiji Bayleys Coral Coast Sevens
Men's Quarter Finals
Police 22 BLK FIrst Landing 12
Tabadamu 14 Uluinakau 5
Coastal Ratu Filise 26 Aussie Thunderbolts 24
Wardens 24 Westfield Dragons 21
Pool A
Police 33 Shangri-La Daveta 7
Wesfield Dragons 35 Germany 14
Pool B
Aussie Thunderbolts 21 Outrigger 7
Uluinakau 19 Uprising 12
Pool C
Tabadamu 17 Hideaway Hurricanes 7
Coastal Ratu Filise 17 Yamacia 7
Pool D
Shipping Service Suva Stallions 17 Red Rock 14
Wardens 19 BLK First Landing 5
Women's CREST NA IRI TROPHY
Pool Q
Striders 42 Central Chiefs II 0
Aussie Pearls 43 Central Chiefs II 0
Aussie Pearls 24 Striders 12
Pool R
NZ Raiders 17 Marist Sea Hawks 5
USA Serevi Selects 19 Marist Sea Hawks 0
USA Serevi Selects 15 NZ Raiders 0
Pool S
Nadi Blazers 15 Mystic Knights 5
TFL Mokosoi 21 Nadi Blazers 0
TFL Mokosoi 54 Mystic Knights 0
Pool T
Central Chiefs 33 Coastline Roos 7
TFL Tagamoucia 21 Central Chiefs 10
TFL Tagamoucia 40 Coastline Roos 0
Defending champions Police and Aussie Pearls have maintained their chances of retaining their titles at the Bayleys Fiji Coral Coast Sevens by winning through to the semi-finals of the women's and men's competitions respectively.
The Aussie Pearls stormed through to the final stages with group stage wins over Central Coast Chiefs II (43-0) and Striders (24-12).
"We're playing pretty well and it's a good start for us young girls to get two wins on the board," captain Gemma Etheridge said.
"It's always tough coming over to Fiji as it's a different type of rugby and very physical," she added.
The Pearls include three Commonwealth Youth Games gold medallists in their side and ably adapted to hot, muggy conditions.
"Everyone has gelled together and played really well today and they are coming along," Etheridge said.
The USA Serevi Selects and the TFL Fijiana squad, split into Mokosoi and Tagamoucia selections, were undefeated in Pools R, S, and T, confirming their places in the semi-finals.
And while there is a $20,000 prize on offer for the winners, plenty of players have an eye on the Rio Olympics, later this year.
“It's definitely very exciting as there is a lot to look forward to and we can't wait to get out there in a few months," said Etheridge.
"This tournament is all part of getting us ready and fit for Rio."
Four local teams - Police, Tabadamu, Coastal Ratu Filise and Wardens - have made it through to the men's semi-finals, with Tabadamu springing a surprise to get there.
Ratu Filise, inspired by the presence of famous son Lote Tuqiri came from behind three times to beat Aussie Thunderbolts 26-24.
Police's Meli Kurisaru scored twice as they beat BLK First Landing 22-12 before Tabadamu beat Uluinakau 14-5.
The last quarter-final saw Wardens beat Westfield Dragons 24-21 in the last quarter-final.
Those results mean that no overseas team has reached the semi-final in six years since the tournament began.
SEMI-FINAL LINE-UP
MEN: Police v Tabadamu, Coastal Ratu Filise v Wardens
WOMEN: Aussie Pearls v USA Serevi Selects, TFL Mokosoi v TFL Tagamoucia
