Bay men end National Sevens on a high

Former Rotorua Boys' High School student Isaac Te Aute on his way to scoring a try for the Bay of Plenty men's side. PHOTO/ BEN FRASER

The Bay of Plenty's men's team finished their 2017 Bayleys National Sevens on a high, winning the Bowl final.

Bay of Plenty beat Canterbury 19-14 in their final match at the Rotorua International Stadium yesterday, after previously reaching the Cup semifinals in the previous two years.

New Zealand Sevens' captain Scott Curry, who was a stand out for his side over the two days of competition, scored two tries in the final.

Danny Kayes also touched down for the Bay - with two of the tries converted. While Amanaki Nicole scored for Canterbury and Milford Keresoma scored a converted try.

Bay of Plenty progressed to the final after beating North Harbour 33-0 in the semifinal and Otago 26-17 in the quarters of the Bowl. The home side were knocked out of contention at the end of day one after losing two out of their three pool games.

It was the fourth year in a row the National Sevens have been held in Rotorua featuring the best provincial sides in the country.

The national title went to defending champions Counties Manukau, who narrowly defeated Waikato 14-7 in the men's Cup final.

Counties Manakau celebrate winning the Bayleys National Sevens Cup final at the Rotorua International Stadium. PHOTO/BEN FRASER

National selectors including new All Blacks Sevens head coach Clark Laidlaw, who travelled from the UK to attend the event, were out and about at the tournament with places still up for grabs for the 2016-2017 HSBC World Sevens Series.

The Bay of Plenty men's coach Paul Tietjens said he was disappointed his side was not competing in the top half of the draw but was pleased his players bounced back to win all three of yesterday'smatches.

"A couple of key moments let us down during day one," Tietjens said. "It was really tough for the boys to get up for [Sunday] but it was about bringing a positive attitude. Credit to the boys, they really bounced back against tough opposition.

Tietjens added he was pleased to beat Canterbury after losing to them in pool play.

"They [Canterbury] just pipped us so it was great for us to get one over them."

The New Zealand Sevens contracted for the Bay of Plenty showed their quality especially Curry, Regan Ware and former Rotorua Boys' High student Isaac Te Aute with Lalakai Foketi also a stand out.

With plenty of young talent, Tietjens said he was looking to compete for the top national title next year.

"This side has a lot of potential. Next year the top eight is certainly our target and playing more consistently well over the season would be pleasing," he said.

"This is my first year with the side, obviously I am looking for some international experience but I'm happy right here in the Bay of Plenty at the moment and we will all try and get up for a national title next year."

Full 2017 Bayleys National Sevens results here: