WHITE River School are the new rugby 7s champions after defeating Selwyn College 26-12 during the grand final match of the 2017 Credit Corporation competition on Saturday.

Three converted and one unconverted try for White River saw them take revenge on Selco at Town Ground Rugby Stadium.

Selco who were the tournament’s defending champion were hoping for another upset but came up short against their well-seasoned opponents.

Selco were on the roll one and half minute into the game after Johnson Wareke gave Selco the lead, crossing over for a converted try and lead White River 7-0.

White River had to wait until four minutes into the game before they responded with a converted try of their own, Dave Kaitu’u crossing over to tie the scores seven all.

Joses Saueha gave White Rive the lead a minute later before Captain Larvenster Puia extended their lead to 21-7 before the break.

Trailing by 14 points Selco turned to skipper Larson Ramsay Rangi for inspiration in the second half. Rangi provided some coming up with some huge hits before setting up Jedrick Legu for their second try, three minutes into that period.

Lavernster Puia sealed the win for White River School with a last minute try, Benny Puia unable to add the extra two points to see the match end 26- 12.

Selco Head Coach was furious after the game, vowing to write a formal complain to SIRUF regarding some of the players of White River School.

“We have been working very hard with our defense and to take revenge against Selco who is always our toughest opponent, we are happy,” White River School Team Captain Larvenster Puia told Sun SPORTS after the game.

“I want to thank the boys for sticking to our game plan and also to Selwyn College for giving us a good match today (Saturday).

Meanwhile, CEO of Solomon Islands Rugby Federation (SIRUF) Gerald Oiaka said the 7s competition is part of their federation’s preparations towards the Pacific Mini- Games in Vanuatu and for the Independence 7’s tournament.

“SIRUF will be sending a development squad to the mini-games.

In lead up towards that our federation is planning to have an independence 7s game and also kick off the school rugby 15s competition this Friday,” he said.