Bangkok International Rugby Sevens: Olymp 12 Hartlepool 0

Lee Maddison in action against Lao Nagas. PIcture by PHIL LINCOLN

The United town squad went down fighting in their third and final match of the day against Olymp

After victory over Lao Nagas in the opening fixture and defeat to All for One (Thailand's national development team), Hartlepool knew they had to beat the Kazakh side in their last outing to finish as runners-up.

Unfortunately, they were forced to give second best to the Asian opposition, despite a spirited effort.

Hartlepool were forced back in the opening half, conceding two tries to be 12 down at the interval.

But Pool gave it everthing in the second half against a strong outfit.

Hartlepool piled on the pressure and came agonisingly close to a try following a brilliant run, chip and chase by Liam Austwicke, only for the ball to elude him.

That bounce proved crucial with Olymp holding out for the victory which guaranteed them second pace behind the group winners, All for One.

Mick Ainslie's team will face Chulalongkorn University, from Thailand, in the knock-out stage on Sunday.