The Phantoms took honours in the first sevens round in Hay last week after an extra-time win over Griffith in the final.

Neither team were part of the first grade competition this season, with the Blacks sitting out the season entirely, but produced the goods in the new tournament.

Leeton's Matt Allen thought their strong Fijian influence was really suited to the format.

"We've got a very heavy Fijian influence and with Marika (Vunibaka) there at the head of the team they are going to play that," Allen said.

"You could definitely see a lot of the other teams were struggling to keep up with the skill level, the backing up and the speed of our guys.

"It is a blessing to have those guys in our team."

Allen thought the team's approach really developed throughout the day.

However there was plenty of familiarity in the final with a number of Griffith players being part of Leeton's unbeaten second grade outfit this season.

The concept was implemented as an option in case the Southern Inland season couldn't get under way due to COVID-19.

However Allen is a big supporter of the concept.

"I think it has been an absolutely excellent regime for SIRU to put out there and a great way to finish off the year," he said. "It has been brilliant and for it to be in Leeton is absolutely superb."

Leeton jumped out to an early 12-0 lead in the final before the Blacks responded with the clash finishing at 17-all.

Griffith regained the ball to start the extra-time period before Leeton pounced on a turnover to take a 24-17 victory.

While their men's team just fell short, Griffith's women's side went through the competition undefeated.

They rounded out their strong weekend with a 22-10 win over surprise packets Albury in the final.

Albury, who only won one game this season, went down to the Blacks 20-5 in the pool stage but were able to regather themselves to force their way into the final.

However they couldn't complete the fairy tale against the 2019 winners.

Leeton will host the second round of the series before representative teams will be selected.

Jonno Andreou will coach the men's team while Elliott Barrett has taken on the women's role.

Southern Inland rugby manager Jack Heffernan is pleased to offer another pathway for the region's rugby talent.

Southern Inland's representative teams have been invited to take part in the Capital sevens.

The first round will be in Canberra on November 14 before the second round in Wagga on November 21.

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