Hartlepool United face Thai side in last eight of Bangkok International Rugby Sevens

The united town side tasted victory in their opening match at the annual championship, where there was the elation of the first try, from Peter Howe.

But they lost their subsequent two games to finish third in Group A.

It means the Michael Ainslie-coached side will face Group B runners up Chulalongkorn University in the quarter-finals tomorrow.

The team were disappointed not to finish second in the pool but are still alive in the competition.

However, skipper Liam Bailey said: "We're not bottom of the group, we've scored some good tries and played some good stuff.

"The beauty of sevens is we have something to play for tomorrow.

"Given we've only just come together as a squad I think we've done well.

"The lads have gelled, have enjoyed representing Hartlepool out here and we'll be ready to go again tomorrow."

There was a dream debut against Laos national side Lao Nagas, who scored the first and last tries but were beaten 15-14 from a determined touchdown by Howe and finishes from Adam Smith and Lee Maddison.

Match two was a tough affair controlled by an athletic and highly-organised All for One.

The Thailand national development squad clinched a 24-7 victory, Brad Green's try and conversion with the last play of the game providing the only consolation to the Pool team

Hartlepool fought every inch of the way against the strong men from Kazakhstan, Olymp, in the final game only to succumb 12-0.

That match was to decide the runners-up spot in Group A, Olymp forcing Hartlepool to settle for third place.

"I thought we deserved to win that game, I think it was the best we played," said Bailey. "We won the first game but I thought we were a bit sluggish.

"We improved every game and I think everyone enjoyed that last match a lot.

"We had a good finish today and we'll look for a good start tomorrow and try to come away with something."