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Core side Apache are determined to finish their National Series campaign on a high at Saturday’s Newquay Surf Sevens.

The team currently sits in seventh position on the overall standings. Two quarter-finals at RugbyRocks and the West Country Sevens have been followed by a Plate semi-final exit in Manchester.

Player-manager Adam Hurst has his sights set on a last-four spot in Cornwall, but faces a tough passage to progress to the latter stages. Apache have been drawn in Group A with the title chasing British Army and Akuma Smurfs.

“I think it has been the third time out of four where we will meet either the Army or Samurai in the group stages and then potentially the quarter-finals,” said Hurst.

“It’s tough as they are probably the two best invitational sevens teams in the world. We are here to play and here to win and we’ve always targeted that semi-final spot.”

Hurst feels that if his side do reach the reach the business end of the tournament, they need to show better composure when placed under pressure.

“It’s about being clinical and patient in the quarter-finals and hoping the ball goes your way. That’s the case for the middle teams when trying to break into the top four.”

Injury hampers progress

Injury and player unavailability have frustrated Hurst, who himself hasn’t fully featured due to a recurring quad injury.

“Before this season I hadn’t missed a tournament for Apache for something like twelve years, so it has been very annoying,” said Hurst.

“We’ve struggled to get consistency at half-back and haven’t filled that hole. Guys have been unavailable and I haven’t managed to get my strongest squad at all this season.”

One player who could have made a difference is Sam Edgerley who featured for the Thames Valley side earlier this season. The teenage winger, who has impressed for England at various age-group levels, has been been suffering from a groin injury which curtailed his involvement.

Beach party to close Series

The ever-popular seaside resort of Newquay brings the inaugural Series to an end. Many feel it is the ideal location to bring what’s been a challenging season to a climax.

“There are very few tournaments around the world where you don’t get a few easy games. You just don’t get any respite on National Series. You have to put your best seven out to compete.”

“Newquay is a perfect location to finish. It’s the height of summer and school is out and a perfect opportunity to get a big crowd down there,” added Hurst.

“The beach resort is a thriving town around this time and there will be some good celebrations with the Series finishing.”