Sevens: Bay sevens sides punch well above their weight

Bay of Plenty player Te Aihe Toma fends off a Taranaki defender during the team's 17-12 quarter-final loss.

Wellington and Manawatu have won national titles at the Bayleys National Sevens in Rotorua.

Meanwhile, the Bay of Plenty men's team almost earned the province some silverware during the tournament, losing in the Plate final yesterday to Manawatu 40-17.

They finished a respectable sixth overall out of the 16 provincial men's teams competing at Rotorua International Stadium.

Bay men's coach Rodney Gibbs said he was happy with his team's performance at the weekend after some poor results leading into the tournament.

"I'm really proud of them, we have had a few people sort of taking a few shots at them.

"Coming out here they wanted to prove a point to say they are representing the Bay, and I think they have done that."

Gibbs said they were disappointed not to have won their Cup quarterfinal, after progressing in second place out of their pool on Saturday.

They went up against last year's champions Taranaki, losing 17-12 in that game.

They then defeated Otago 21-19 to progress to the Plate final, losing to Manawatu.

The Bay women's team had a tough tournament at the weekend but were pleased with their efforts for a side featuring mainly young players.

The women's team registered one win, a draw and two losses on Saturday but went on to lose both games on Sunday.

Bay women's coach David Mays said many of the girls had come a long way and were developing well for the future.

"I couldn't have asked any more of them, they have given their heart and soul for the region," he said.

In the men's Cup final, Wellington defeated Auckland 26-17 to be crowned national champions.

New Zealand sevens player Lote Raikabula wowed a modest crowd at the Rotorua International Stadium scoring two tries in the final.

Wellington raced away to a 19-5 lead at halftime and, despite a second-half comeback from Auckland, held on to win the match and the title.

Wellington also defeated Auckland 17-14 in pool play.

In the women's Cup final, Manawatu defeated Auckland 18-12 to win back-to-back national titles.

The girls in green showed plenty of spirit to overcome a well-drilled Auckland outfit.

Players of the tournament included Counties Manakau player Hazel Tubic, in the women's competition, and Manawatu's George Tilsley in the men's competition.