It was was 21-all at three-quarter time.
“Into the last quarter it was anyone’s game.
“IMS held on and took the win 30-28 and book their third consecutive final.
“The Uawa Hinematioro versus Tatapouri Sportsfit game was very defensive. Uawa took the lead first, but Sportsfit had a strong second quarter and took a 13-8 lead at half time.
“The third quarter played goal for goal, and Uawa started the final quarter firing with the first four goals.”
With just over a minute to go and only two goals in it, Sportsfit scored twice to win 23-19 and advance to the second-chance semi against Claydens Waikohu Masters this Saturday.
“Uawa Hinematioro have finished in fourth place, ending a great season.”
After a draw last week, the A Reserve match between YMP Masters and Whalis shaped up to be exciting.
“YMP started strongly, led 10-3 at the first break, but Whalis fought back and pulled it back to three, down 25-22 into the final period.
“YMP finished strongly winning 35-27 and going directly to the final.”
YMP TimberPro faced FarmCare HSOG in the knock-out semi.
“It was a low scoring game with HSOG up one at the first break, 10-all at half time. YMP took control during the second half and edged out to a lead of 22-17 to advance to the second semifinal against Whalis,” Hall said.
“FarmCare HSOG finished fourth, a great achievement after being promoted from 1st grade.”
The 1st Grade Top 4 provided more excitement yet again.
“A close win to Ngatapa and a draw during the rounds, the Gisborne Denture Clinic HSOG versus Gisborne Glass Ngatapa game was always going to be a good contest.
“It was tight for the full 40 minutes. Ngatapa slightly edged ahead in the second quarter, held on to win 27-26, and advance to the final.”
The Thistle Storm and Tatapouri Sportsfit Social game needed extra time.
“The teams were level at the final buzzer and had to continue play until one team was two goals ahead. Thistle got the first break in extra time and won 36-34.
“After being promoted from 1st Reserve Grade, the Thistle ladies now meet Gisborne Denture Clinic HSOG in the second semi.”
Tatapouri Sportsfit Social finished fourth.
Hall said Uawa Ngarangikahiwa and Whatatutu had a great 1st Reserve semi.
“Whatatutu led early, built on it during the second quarter, then Uawa drew the third quarter to keep in check with them.
“But Whatatutu pushed out their lead in the final quarter to win 30-22, and advance to finals.”
OBM Red Social and Steve Craill Builder Ngatapa produced one of the closest games of the day.
“The lead changed at each break. The teams pushed each other to the final whistle.
“Ngatapa outscored OBM in the final quarter to pull back the small deficit and win 32-31.”
Ngatapa will now have another chance to make the final along with Uawa in their clash this weekend.
OBM Red Social finished fourth, another great season for a promoted team.
Uawa Iranui and Sportsfit Magnolias met in the 2nd Grade top semi after being drawn on points after the rounds.
“Sportsfit Magnolias led by two into the first break, then continued to build momentum throughout the game to win 27-14 and go direct to the final.
“YMP Manawanui played Thistle Phoenix in the other semi, and the YMP girls were too strong on the day. YMP won 30-13 and advance to play against Uawa Iranui this weekend.
“Thistle Phoenix finish their season in fourth position.”
