The Aerospread Ltd Hawke's Bay team had a mixed bag at the National Sevens tournament in Rotorua. The Tafai Ioasa-coached side lost 17-10 to Northland in the Bowl final.

The Bay lost their first pool game 21-15 against Taranaki on Saturday. They lost 10-7 to Wellington before finishing pool play with a 26-19 win against Otago. Both games were very close encounters and could have gone either way.

There was improvement against weaker opponents yesterday with Hawke's Bay beating South Canterbury 28-12 in their Bowl quarter-final and Tasman 24-17 in their semifinal. Against Northland, Hawke's Bay had the bulk of possession and territory but couldn't capitalise as often as they should have. On the few occasions Northland ventured into the Bay's half they scored.

"It wasn't the result we wanted. Improved accuracy on attack and defence will be keys for the future," Hawke's Bay manager David Russell lamented.

"At the same time we had a tough pool and the boys gave it their all."

Russell agreed speedster Mason Emerson had some impressive patches and co-captain Billy Ropiha was tireless. He pointed out three-quarters of the team were playing at their first nationals and with Emerson, Jonah Lowe, Kaleb Whakataka and Marino Mikaele-Tu'u all under 20, there are promising signs for the future. Russell added the coaching staff are keen to be involved again next summer.