READING’s Elliott Brown feels Tornado 7s could not have gone out on a higher note than the Secure Trading 24/Sevens National Finals as their last-ever tournament saw them go up against the country’s top amateur sides at The Recreation Ground in Bath.

The third edition of the tournament saw the best eight men’s and women’s amateur sevens sides from across England compete to be crowned champions at the National Finals on Sunday.

Hundreds of teams started off in 40 local qualifying competitions before the winners progressed to one of four regional play-offs, where the top two earned a place at the showpiece event.

Tornado 7s were one of the eight men’s sides to reach the finals and despite falling short in the Plate final against Billingham, Brown said the tournament was a perfect end to his side’s journey.

“We started off as a group of three mates playing for the same 15s team and we decided we wanted to play sevens and we got guys we knew through rugby together,” he said.

“This is our fifth year and we have guys who live in London, some live in Manchester, one guy lives in Canada and flies over for a few tournaments, so we’re from all over the place.

“We’re all getting on a bit now and we’re all in our late 20s, some of the teams we’re playing against are all 18, 19, 20 and very fit, so it just felt like the right time.

“We slowly built throughout the day, but it’s been good as this is our last tournament – our fifth and final year – and it’s nice to make the Plate final for our last game.

“I’m very happy to finish with a final, we couldn’t really ask for anything more, obviously it would have been great to be in the cup final, but it was a final nonetheless.”

The competition, which attracted more than 10,700 players from around the country last year, is aimed at growing sevens rugby and increasing grassroots participation among men and women.

This year’s Secure Trading 24/Sevens Series culminated at the Rec in Bath with Shredded Ducks being crowned as the men’s champions and Swansea Ladies winning the women’s competition.

In addition to a festival of amateur sevens rugby, the finals day included an elite competition made up of teams from the Tyrrells Premier 15s, as well as live music and food.

And Brown, who also plays for London One North side Eaton Manor, believes the Secure Trading 24/Sevens Series provided a perfect send-off for his side.

“We’ve had friends, family and a few supporters come down so it’s been awesome being here and being able to bring them all to a facility like the Rec for our last game,” he said.

“It’s definitely been a bit emotional. Seeing Nathan (Barham) score and the smile on his face was great and we were discussing how sad it is that it is the last one, but it’s definitely time.

“Last year was the first time we qualified for regionals, but this year is the first time we’ve qualified for the finals so it’s been a great journey and a nice way to finish it. We’d only trained for about two weeks as an actual sevens team before we did the regional tournament and qualified for here, but we have enjoyed it and soaked it all in.”

The Secure Trading 24/Sevens Series is England Rugby’s premier competition for men’s and women’s community sevens teams. For more information visit www.englandrugby.com/24sevens