The Bay of Plenty men's and women's sevens teams have qualified for the Bayleys National Sevens.
The women's side finished second whilst the men's team were third at yesterday's Northern Region Qualifiers.
The men took an experienced yet youthful side to Cambridge, under new coach Paul Tietjens, and went into the weekend after a strong two-day performance at the Auckland Sevens.
However, missed opportunities and ball handling let them down in their opening match against Counties Manukau, just falling short 17-12.
But they turned things around in their second pool match seeing them dominate Auckland 19-0 at the break. A strong second-half performance from Auckland didn't hinder the Bay of Plenty attack with the men's side finishing off with a 26-14 win.
The men failed to fire against a sharp Waikato side in their final pool game. Slipped tackles proved costly in a 26-7 defeat.
Despite having mixed pool play results the men's side secured a semifinal spot - a rematch against Waikato. Again Waikato proved too strong, winning 26-7, which left the Bay facing a playoff for third and fourth against Auckland.
Bay of Plenty secured third place after a 29-17 win. Strength and pace proved too strong for a determined Auckland team.
The Bay of Plenty women had an impressive day at the office, winning their three pool matches comprehensively.
The young side, coached by Victoria Grant, grew in confidence with each game. Their first pool game against rivals Waikato saw Kendra Reynolds and Michaela Blyde take the lead assisting the Bay of Plenty women to a 23-14 win.
The women continued to grow in confidence, looking sharp on attack and menacing in defence in their second pool match and demolished Northland with a 53-0 win.
For their final pool game the women's side again proved too strong for their opposition, securing a 24-5 win over an experienced Auckland side.
Following a 24-12 victory over Waikato in the semifinal the Bay of Plenty women's team faced an inform and unbeaten Counties Manukau side in the final. Despite gutsy defence and determination on attack Bay of Plenty women finished second with Counties Manukau claiming the title 31-19.
Both teams will now continue to prepare for the Bayleys Nationals which will be hosted in Rotorua on January 14 and 15.
Northern Region Qualification Bay of Plenty results:
Women's:
