Defending champions Napier Old Boys Marist will meet Clive in next Saturday's Hawke's Bay Maddison Trophy premier club rugby final at Napier's McLean Park.
Hawke's Bay Insurances Limited Napier Old Boys Marist recorded their 33rd consecutive win with a 26-22 victory against Ansin & Monteith Hastings Rugby and Sports in their Park Island-hosted semifinal today. The other semifinal, which was also a nailbiter, saw K9 Petfoods Clive pip 2013 champions Altherm Window Systems Napier Technical 21-18 at Whitmore Park to secure their first final berth since 2008.
Halfback Zac Donaldson was again in hot form for NOBM. Magpies halfback Ellery Wilson, who started at second five-eighth for the second consecutive week for NOBM, was forced from the field with an ankle injury with 25 minutes remaining.
NOBM head coach Craig Gowler said it's highly unlikely Wilson will be fit for the final. Flanker Jack Nelson-Murray left the field with a broken nose with 15 minutes left on the clock.
Centre Timo Vaiusu was outstanding for Hastings. Hurricanes lock Geoff Cridge and world champion Baby Blacks No 8 Marino Mikaele-Tu'u were full of authority in the Hastings pack.