Hastings Rugby and Sports premier rugby captain and openside flanker Tivaini Fomai has no qualms about missing out on Hawke's Bay's club MVP award.
Fomai, the 2006 winner of the award, was edged out by two points by Havelock North's Tony Lamborn.
"Tony is an up and comer and he deserved it. I've now got the opportunity to get the best consolation prize, a Maddison Trophy winners' medal ... I've been second twice when I played for Havelock North and hopefully this is a case of third time lucky," Fomai said after Saturday's Tui Maddison Trophy semifinals.
His IMS Payroll Hastings Rugby and Sports side beat Carters Frame and Truss Taradale 23-16 in their Elwood Park encounter. The hosts returned to form after their shocker the previous week, a 48-13 loss to Havelock North.
"Our semifinal berth was already booked last week and Havelock were pumped after losing to us in the first round. We bounced back well today because we knew Taradale weren't going to be easy," Fomai added.
Hastings winger Ioane Ioane celebrated his 50th outing for the hosts with the first try of the game. Halfback Adam Ross was again lively while fullback James Rosenberg and centre Star Timu were constructive on attack.
Lock Tom Parsons was again prominent in a Hastings pack which had no passengers. Taradale competed well despite losing starting prop James Humphries to injury in the warm up and fought back from a 23-9 deficit in the second half.
Taradale coach Blair Cross agreed his troops were guilty of making some wrong decisions but said the youngsters will benefit from this experience next year.
Prop Jodi Allen had some memorable patches and Hurricanes halfback Chris Eaton provided the boost expected of him. Regular halfback Jonathan Ruru played first five-eighth and did well to land all four of his attempts at goal in the difficult conditions.
Hot favourites Progressive Meats Havelock North secured their final berth with a 19-8 win against Tech Group of Companies Napier Technical at Tareha Reserve. The villagers dominated the first half after conceding an early penalty which Tech halfback Sheridan Rangihuna turned into three points.
"We went off the boil in the second half for about 30 minutes and did some silly things. It was as if the boys had already got their final spot ... then all of a sudden we had a game on our hands," Havelock manager Blair Heasley said.
Prop Brendon Edmonds and lock Richard Tichborne were again inspirational in Havelock's engine room. Second five-eighth Jacob Kennedy, who scored the villagers only try, displayed the benefits of his vast experience.
New Zealand under-20s first five-eighth Ihaia West celebrated his 50th appearance for Havelock with 14 points, four penalties and a conversion.
Tech manager Cyril Whitburn said Magpies hooker Ash Dixon turned on another impressive display as a prop and scored their only try. "We conceded too many penalties at the breakdown and we bombed to or three tries but it was still a good battle," Whitburn said.
He is backing Havelock to collect the Maddison Trophy at Saturday's McLean Park-hosted final.
"They play percentage rugby and don't make too many mistakes."