The Balfour 7s tournament has been running for 32 years. In the early-mid nineties a few of the Allstars players had a fantastic time (and mildly successfull) playing for Pirates in the tournament. A few years later Richey thought it would be a good idea to get together a few mates from around the country, have a social weekend and play in the tournament. This was harder than he thought to organise. Many of his selections had broken down, retired, were in terrible shape or had 'more important' things to do.  

Che Guevaras Guerrilla Allstars finally came into existence in 2002, the name originating from a suggestion by Grunzamuk. After a few abortive efforts in previous years to get a team together it finally happened. Sponsorship was gained from B.B Cunninghame Ltd and the Prebbleton Tavern(piss and t shirts). Extensive fitness programs were undertaken(NOT!). Jerseys were designed and manufactured. The week before the tournament the Allstars had there first victory taking out The Rock radio station Christchurch round of their nationwide quiz. Winnings included a bar tab and magnum of Steinlager. A team meeting was held in Christchurch was held on Thursday before the tournament and bar tabs drunk at The Jolly Poacher and Prebbleton Tavern as a warm-up and team bonding session. On the Friday a star-studded ensemble made their way from around New Zealand to Invercargill, the majority in a minivan from Christchurch. A big piss up was held on the Friday with Nikita making the most of his first visit to Invercargill, especially enjoying the Sugar Shack. A good night was had by all, including the Truck who was biffed out of the Frog for 'standing here' by some fuckwit little bouncer.

Saturday saw a few sore heads when the Allstars had their first training run on the rain and windswept Boys High grounds. Suprisingly things didn't go too bad although an obvious lack of fitness and speed was apparent. Nikita won the goal kicking comp to become the sides main goal kicker.

Saturday night was spent quietly, as expected of any champion team, and motivational videos were watched to get the boys fired up and switched on.

Sunday morning saw the gathering of a nervous and quiet bunch of Allstars. The historic and proud occasion of the handing out of the jerseys and complimentary B.B Cunninghame beanies was completed and the team headed out to Balfour. Sunny conditions greeted the team on their arrival and the team was feeling pretty good and they warmed up. However about 1 minute before the first game the winds came and it started pissing down. Freezing cold was the temperature. The team competed brilliantly in the first game (see match report) and spirits were pretty high. There was obvious disapointment in not picking up a win but the team had competed well. Food and drink were served up by Ari and Kelly in the break to keep the team hydrated and full of energy.

The next game was against Mataura and again the team competed brilliantly (match report). However once again a lack of experience and fitness counted against the team.

However the team was elated about how well they had competed and the fact they had survived. The magnum of Steinie was opened and the boys prepared for a big aftermatch. Beers were drunk at Balfour, Lumsden, Benmore and in the van before the arrival at the Northern Tavern. Many beers and shakers were drunk  and speeches made before the team moved on to the Cunninghame residence. A lively garage party was the final aftermatch celebrations of the 2002 Guerrilla Allstars. Highlights included Grunza dropping the bottle of kahlua he held in the garden shears. 

A dishevelled and quiet team made its way back to Dunedin and Christchurch on the Monday through blizzard conditions livened up by Moirs Slim Shady efforts on the megaphone. The team all made it safely back to their destinations having had a great weekend and vowing to do it again the next year.

2003 however did not see quite the same enthusiasm from the Allstars. The selection letters went out to the 2002 team but there was a disapointing response. Some of the team had university exams and essays to complete, others had work commitments, some had headed overseas and it did not look good for the Allstars. Reg and Rowdy however were the two shining lights willing to make the effort yet again. A call went out to selected members of the Waikiwi Senior A team and associates and thankfully they responded although a few pulled out due to injury, lack of money and softness. It was a pretty last minute effort but it all came together brilliantly.  A team meeting was held at the Cunninghames on Saturday night. This involved a few beers which was not the ideal preparation for 7s. 

The team gathered at the Cunninghames on the Sunday, once again in poor conditions. Everyone made their way out to Balfour with Joel arriving in more style than the others just about taking out a parked car. The first game started with half the team still coming out of the changing sheds and no warm up or practice. Naturally the team struggled a bit but was competitive but still went down to Zingari (match report). Ari managed to arrange another game against Waikaka which again the team lost but not before coming back from 10-0 down to 10-10 at one stage (match report). Once again Ari took care of the food and drink and the boys were refreshed for their last came against another Waikaka team. This time the boys had it sorted and came out convincing winners to take the Guerrilla Allstars first victory (match report). Everyone was stoked and calls made quickly to those Allstars missing. Unfortunately Reg and Rowdy had to head back to Christchurch and other members had work the next day so celebrations were rather muted. Hopefully that will change this year. 

The call has gone out and the team is pretty similar to that which lined up last year. Hopefully more victories are on the horizon.