New Zealand crashed out in the semi-finals to eventual champions England in the first leg of the IRB World Sevens Series in Dubai.
Gordon Tietjens' side, featuring six newcomers, went down 19-14 to England in their penultimate match on Saturday. Tietjens lamented being caned in the penalty count.
England's Lyndsay-Hague was the star against the Kiwis as he ran in two tries to help his side reach their first Cup final since the 2009 London Sevens.
New Zealand, the defending Dubai champions, had looked in hot form as they ran in five tries in a convincing 35-7 quarter-final win over Wales.
England beat Australia 24-21 in their quarter-final and needed three late tries to seal a dramatic come-from-behind victory over reigning World Series champions Samoa in the final.
The Pacific Island side, who beat Fiji 24-21 to make the final, held a 14-12 lead at half-time and were 21-12 up with three minutes remaining before Simon Hunt, Dan Norton and Mat Turner struck in the closing stages to snatch a 29-21 victory in the final at the Sevens Stadium in Dubai.
Simaika Mikaele, Ofisa Treviranus and Alafoti Fa'osiliva all went over to put Samoa in front early on, but Oliver Lindsay-Hague hit back with two tries to keep England in contention.
Winning coach Ben Ryan was proud of his team's performances in securing their first tournament victory in Dubai since 2004.
"I'm really pleased for these lads, because it's been a long time," Ryan said.
"Some of these lads have had some pretty dark days and I'm really pleased that we put in a couple of good performances today."
England will carry their momentum to the George Sevens tournament in South Africa next weekend, but Ryan would rather the players and coaching staff enjoyed a much needed rest before returning to action.
"I'd rather not think about George at the moment - I think we're all out of puff. Let's enjoy this," Ryan said.
"We've changed around our systems a little bit in England with some central contracts and for everybody back home, here are some of the instant results."
England captain Ben Gollings was not surprised that his players were forced to do it the hard way after they also beat Australia.
"It's been the story of the weekend," Gollings said.
"We bounced back well and I couldn't be more proud of the boys."
England now lead the early Series standings with 24 points, ahead of Samoa (20) and Cup semi finalists New Zealand and Fiji (16).