"But to go up there and beat them one week and have them come down here and draw with us the following week is still pretty good. That's a draw ... not a loss. It's going to be good to have next week off and after that we're into top-16 play where we will take things week by week," Ioasa added.
While the Super 8 trophy has gone Ioasa's lads will still be able to take plenty of positives out of Saturday's clash. The fact so many scoring opportunities were created against quality opposition is the big one and it mustn't be forgotten that the team remains unbeaten after 17 games this season with 957 points in the for column and 66 in the against.
Both of Hastings tries were crackers. Outstanding second five-eighth Danny Toala scored the first in the 60th minute after a period of sustained pressure.
Toala set up halfback Folau Fakatava's try in the final quarter. Lock Tane Hohipa was close behind Toala in the battle for the host's player of the match award as he secured all of his lineout throws, several of Hamilton's and was busy in general play.
Captain and loosehead prop Kianu Kereru-Symes was inspirational on defence while tighthead prop Josiah Metcalf was powerful on the carry. Flanker Liam Udy-Johns shone with his support play.
Hamilton head coach Nigel Hotham thought the trophy was going to be shared until he was informed of the rules as the players shook hands.
"We're happy to take it but I'm sure this won't be the last time these two teams meet this season," Hotham said as he predicted both teams are good enough to do what they did last year and reach the national top-four competition later in the season.
Hawke's Bay-raised halfback Brad McNaughten and busy blindside flanker Charles Alamalo were among Hamilton's best.
"But I couldn't have asked for more from the whole team. They worked their backsides off in the second half," Hotham added.
Napier Boys High School were pipped 21-20 by Palmerston North Boys' High School in their Hurricanes region qualifier in Napier on Saturday. Napier had an early 8-0 lead but Palmerston North gained the upperhand when wet weather hit Napier according to the host's manager, Rex Newman.
Palmerston North led 14-13 at halftime. Vice captain and halfback Humphrey Sheild joined centre Nathan Giles as the best of the Napier backs in their team's final outing of the season.
Hooker Tyrone Thompson, openside flanker Luke Russell and substitute loosie Sam Henderson were prominent in the Napier pack.
Scorers:
Hamilton Boys' High School 12 (Tane Te Aho, Tevita Faa'kafa tries; Coby Miln con), Hastings Boys' High School 12 (Danny Toala, Flau Fakatava tries; Toala con). HT: 0-all.
Palmerston North Boys' High School 21, Napier Boys' High School 20 (Luke Russell, Dan Sharplin, Lolani Faleiva tries; Nikau McGregor pen, con). HT: 14-13.