Barcelona Sevens Tournament 2025 Tour Report Group A Round 4

Results

New Ham United (Eng)	1	V	3	World Pinteur (Fra)
Southgate County (Eng)	2	V	5	Colonel Getafe (Eng)
Postbusters FC (Eng)	1	V	2	CF Dons (Eng)

The start of Round 4 witnessed a crucial clash between New Ham United and World Pinteur, with both teams hunting for Plate qualification. New Ham United knew that a win would almost certainly secure their place in the knockout stages, while World Pinteur had the opportunity to climb to 3rd and significantly improve their chances.

The French side made a perfect start, taking the lead through Pierre Lachaud, marking the first time they had been ahead in the tournament. Shortly before the break, Aurelian Ludot doubled the advantage, sending the visitors into 2-0 at half-time in control. The second half began with New Ham United showing great character. Larry Okuleye reduced the deficit to 2-1 with a composed finish, giving his team hope and reigniting the contest. The momentum swung back and forth, and it looked as though the game could be swung either way. However, Alexandre Bro restored the two-goal lead for World Pinteur, settling the nerves and reasserting their control over the match.

Despite New Ham United's efforts and a strong finish, they could not find a way past the French defence. The game ended 3-1 in favour of World Pinteur, a vital victory that strengthened their Plate qualification bid and showcased their ability to perform in high-pressure matches. New Ham United, while disappointed, remained in contention for the knockout stage, keeping the battle for the Plate exciting as the group phase neared its conclusion.

Group A continued with Southgate County taking on Colonel Getafe in a clash with major implications for both sides. Southgate County, sitting in 6th place, knew a win could lift them into joint third and keep their Plate hopes alive. Colonel Getafe, meanwhile, were unbeaten in the tournament with 3 wins from 3, and they aimed to maintain their perfect record and stay in the hunt for the top spot in the group. The game started in favour of the visitors when Henry Hanifan put Colonel Getafe ahead 1-0, but Southgate County responded strongly, with Giuliano Cinotti levelling the score at 1-1 and keeping them in contention. The remainder of the first half was dominated by Colonel Getafe, who gradually wrestled control back. Oliver Grossman and Oliver White scored to make it 3-1 at halftime. Grossman, already proving his pedigree with 6 goals in the tournament so far, added to his tally, showing why he had been the top scorer at the 2023 Krakow Trophy with 9 goals. Colonel Getafe's attacking cohesion and sharp finishing kept Southgate County on the back foot, despite some spirited defending.

In the second half, Colonel Getafe continued to assert their authority. Andrew Simpson extended the lead to 4-1 before Cinotti reduced the deficit once more for Southgate County, making it 4-2. However, Oliver White sealed the win with a late goal, confirming a 5-2 victory for Colonel Getafe. The win ensured they retained top spot in the group, maintaining their 100% record, while Southgate County would need to regroup for their final game of the group phase and continue fighting for Plate qualification.

The spotlight was on Postbusters FC as they hosted CF Dons in what was a pivotal Group A clash. Postbusters were sitting just outside the Plate qualification places and needed at least a point to stay in contention, while CF Dons were unbeaten in their three games and aiming for a fourth consecutive victory to catch up with Colonel Getafe at the top of the table. From the outset, the visitors asserted their dominance, controlling possession and creating the clearest chances. Tom Roadnight and Lewys Tee both found the net before halftime, giving CF Dons a comfortable 2-0 lead at the break.

Postbusters FC, however, were not willing to go quietly. The second half saw them push forward with purpose, and Haydn Read pulled a goal back to make it 2-1, injecting some excitement into the closing stages. Their determination and energy unsettled CF Dons at times, but the league leader's composure kept them in control. CF Dons defended resolutely and looked to exploit gaps on the counterattack, maintaining the edge they had established in the first half.

As the final whistle approached, CF Dons held firm to secure the win, marking their fourth straight victory and keeping pace with Colonel Getafe at the top of Group A. Postbusters could reflect positively on their spirited second-half display, even if it was not enough to gain a point, knowing they had shown resilience and competitiveness against one of the tournament favourites. The result meant CF Dons stayed in the hunt for first place, while Postbusters would need to bounce back in their final game to remain in the tournament.

Table

Team	Pld	Won	Drawn	Lost	For	Agst	Pts
Colonel Getafe (Eng)	4	4	0	0	14	3	12
CF Dons (Eng)	4	4	0	0	10	3	12
World Pinteur (Fra)	4	1	1	2	4	4	4
New Ham United (Eng)	4	1	0	3	5	14	3
Postbusters FC (Eng)	4	0	2	2	4	6	2
Southgate County (Eng)	4	0	1	3	4	11	1