A NOBLE effort ended at the quarter-final stage for York Rugby Union Club's Quality Street Gang in the Dubai sevens' tournament.

The team, which is run by YRUFC supporters, battled through a talented group to reach the first knockout stage. But in a heart-breaking tie against renowned charity team Christina Noble, the QSG ranks were narrowly pipped 19-12.

Both teams were deadlocked at 12-12 just as the full-time hooter went. Extra time was due with the next break in play. Unfortunately for the QSG battlers England sevens' ace Ben Gollings, who has just left Worcester, streaked clear to get a decisive try for a 19-12 win to end the York outfit's interest.

Gollings (pictured) was on stand-by for the England team, who were in Dubai in the accompanying principal event.

The Christina Noble team then perished 33-12 in the semi-final to The Kentz Drifters, a Fijian side oozing with union class know-how and led by the legendary Waissale Serevi, who went on to lift the International Invitational crown by beating St Helens Saints 33-19.

The QSG's first opposition in the tournament were the Super League Saints, whose ranks included Great Britain rugby league internationals Sean Long and Paul Wellens.

QSG lost the opener 35-5, but bounced back to topple the Bone Steelers, a Scottish side led by ex-international Andy Nichol, who played for QSG ten years earlier, 27-12.

In their final group game QSG - winners of the event in the year 2000 - then routed the RAF invitational ranks of The Fighting Cocks 60-0 to earn that ill-starred quarter-final slot.

But despite the last eight defeat, the tournament was hailed by QSG chairman Ricky Richardson.

He said: "It was a hugely successful event, which has got stronger and stronger.

"The atmosphere was just electric throughout and at least the icing on the cake was that in the Dubai sevens main event England beat Fiji in the final."

Updated: 12:34 Friday, December 10, 2004