THEY went, they saw, they enjoyed but unfortunately the Quality Street Gang did not conquer.

Having been the kings of the Dubai Sevens in the past, the QSG could not quite live up to past glories at this season's IRB Sevens Series opener.

Having taken the Social Cup title in 2000 and been beaten finalists in 2001, the York-backed band of travellers fell this season at the quarter-final stage.

However, despite his obvious disappointment at missing out on retaining their crown, chairman Ricky Richardson was pleased with the effort of his young charges in a competition rapidly growing in stature.

"It was disappointing not to win, but the competition is quickly going the same way as the Hong Kong Tens with the standards improving year on year," he said.

"The British Army and Warblers, who competed in the final, could have easily played in the main competition.

"Everyone out there was saying the same thing, but we'd still like to go back next year and have another shot. It is one hell of a good tournament and must be of one of the top in the world."

This year they extended the stadium so that there was 20,000 as opposed to 15,000 watching every day.

The QSG, who won over the fans by distributing free sweets to the crowd, opened up their challenge in magnificent style.

They thumped the Harlequins Gents 47-0, before going on to overcome Molly's Muscles 36-12 and then the Currie Chiefs 28-12.

The trio of successes earned the QSG side a quarter-final tie against Le Froggies, but it was not to be for the Gang as they were toppled 35-5.

Former QSG regular Marcus Smith had a mixed tournament.

Smith, a previous QSG captain, was this season handed the task of skipping the Gulf International side.

Unfortunately the pace-filled back damaged his rib cartilage in training, and although he scored two tries in the first game against Wales, he was unable to play any further part.

AUSTRALIAN rugby club Dubbo Rhinos have issued an appealed to local sides in the area to help raise money for one of their players who suffered a severe neck injury.

During the 1999 season Wilson Te Whata was injured in a training accident and the Rhinos have decided to attempt to raise money for him by collecting as many rugby jerseys from as many clubs and schools around the world as possible, and then auctioning them off over their Internet web-site in the middle of next year.

Any clubs or schools in the area who can help with the appeal can check out further details of the auction and see a brief outline of Wilson's story, at http://rhinos.rugbynet.com.au/rhinos/

Alternatively, jerseys can be sent to Dubbo Rhinos Rugby Club, c/o Andrew Dixon, 2/205 Brisbane St, Dubbo, NSW 2830, Australia.

YORK St John's ladies rugby coach Philippa Whitworth has become the first person to receive the North Yorkshire Sport's certificate that recognises commitment to good coaching.

The Huntington School sports development officer, who works alongside head coach Colin Clark at St John's, gained the certificate after attending three special Sports Coach UK workshops - good practice and child protection, equity in your coaching, and working with disabled sports people.

The certificate is awarded to coaches involved in the Active Sports Programme, who have demonstrated a commitment to their professional development, ensuring that their coaching activity is safe and accessible to all young people regardless of race, gender and ability.

WHILE most clubs will have an extra week to get back into the swing of things after the Christmas and New Year festivities, York RI will be straight back into action.

The turkey will hardly have time to settle before they return to league action, with them set to play a rearranged Yorkshire Three game against Moortown on December 28.

The two sides had been due to meet back at the end of November, only for Moortown's Junior Vase commitments to force the game to be postponed.

Ironically, the Railwaymen had today off after their game against Bradford Salem was postponed, again because of Junior Vase commitments.

POCKLINGTON hold their annual encounter with Old Pocklingtonians at 1pm on Boxing Day.

Over the seasons the clash with the OPs has become a popular reunion for any of the local rugby fraternity at home for Christmas.

This year, Pock have planned two games against the OPs XV and anyone interested in playing should contact the club in advance or turn up on the day with their kit.

SELBY'S traditional Exiles game will once again be held at the club on Boxing Day.

Present members of the Sandhill Lane outfit would welcome both players and spectators to the game.

Any Exiles who wish to play are asked to contact the club via the web-site - www.selbyrufc.org

Updated: 12:46 Saturday, December 21, 2002