USA 7s team scrumhalf/flyhalf Shalom Suniula helped lead Sunnybank to a victory at the Central Coast 7s this past weekend, as they defeated the Australian Thunderbolts 14–12 in Wyong, Australia.

On the back of a short lead in from the close of their 15s season Sunnybank gathered strength during the day to deliver a consummate performance in defeating the national side who had been in camp for the preceding week.

After winning all 3 of their pool games (Treasure Pirates 19 – 5; Associates 21-5 and Beecroft 53-7) the Dragons faced Te Whanau in the Cup Semis. Te Whanau scored from the kickoff and things looked ominous for the Dragons but the team gathered to totally dominate possession, field position and the pace of the game to run out winners 22-5.

The Final started similarly, with Australia scoring from the kickoff. But the Dragons came back. Nigel Ah Wong went over but was adjudged to have stepped on the dead ball line before grounding the ball. Still Sunnybank kept up the pressure and eventually scored.

Suniula hit the conversion for the key 7-5 lead, and then Synnybank took the lead to stay.