Lampeter Spartans became the first Welsh side to lift the Streatham insiderunning.com Sevens on Saturday, demolishing Harlequins All Stars in the final with some top quality Sevens rugby, writes Owen Jones.

The tournament, held at Streatham-Croydon’s home in Thornton Heath since the 1950s, entertained a large crowd with some surprisingly skilful rugby on a beautiful day ideal for running rugby.

The handicapping system designed to even out the group stages and make every contest competitive had once more proved its worth, but in the end quality shone through as the Streatham-Croydon first VII, playing in a truly alarming pink kit, Rye, Lampeter and Quins all made it through to the semi-finals.

Rye, led by former Streatham favourite Andy Brown, played some enterprising rugby and were lit up by Andy’s son Aidan whose elusive running caused problems for defences all afternoon. However, faced with a strong Lampeter side in the semis they were well beaten as the speed of the Welsh proved too much.

The second semi-final between Streatham-Croydon and Quins proved to be the best game of the tournament between two sides desperate to reach the final. Quins were bidding to reach the final for the first time after being humiliated in the group stages in 2009 by Streatham’s third string. With the fans shielding their eyes from the lurid colour of the home team’s shirts the game was poised at 12-12 when Quins produced some great off-loading to score the winning try to win 17-12.

The effort of getting to the final appeared to be too much for Quins as everything went right for Lampeter. They barely put a foot wrong in a sensational display of Sevens rugby fitting for a final. Winger Dan Gyandoh scored a hat-trick of tries to complete a memorable tournament to finish as Player of the Tournament. Quins will go away with renewed determination to get it right next year as will the Streatham home side who will also be competing in further tournaments.

Lampeter Spartans now go home with what is generally known to be the most grotesque trophy in rugby after a day enjoyed by players and supporters of all clubs who took part in the day.