Taradale's Hunter Morrison getting past Pirate No 8 Michael Appert on his way to a try for Taradale at an encounter earlier in the season. Photo / Connull Lang
Taradale's Hunter Morrison getting past Pirate No 8 Michael Appert on his way to a try for Taradale at an encounter earlier in the season. Photo / Connull Lang
Napier Tech will have to do it the hard way if they want to win back-to-back Maddison Trophy titles.
They were narrowly beaten 21-17 by Napier Pirate in the final week before the semifinals on Saturday, nudging Pirate into third and Tech into fourth – settingthem a semifinal date with last year’s beaten finalists and this year’s dominant runaways, Taradale.
Taradale coach Namatahi Waa, whose side on Saturday knocked Havelock North out of contention with a 38-7 away win, said the goal at the start of the year had been to meet and beat Napier Tech in the final to atone for the last-play loss in 2023.
“The boys really wanted to see them in the final and relive that moment, so it’s a shame the cards have fallen the way they have.
“But it’s still a semifinal, still a knockout game, and sometimes semis can be even harder than a final.”
Taradale have yet to play a game where they haven’t taken a four-try bonus point, but Havelock North made them work hard in what was a must-win for them.
Waa said their start was crucial and the pressure built by Trinity Spooner-Neera’s try assists and perfect day off the tee was also important.
Napier Tech co-coach Craig Wyllie said they would go into this year’s semis as underdogs, with most picking Taradale to go all the way, but they would be up for it.
“We’re very excited about the challenge. It’s a big hurdle for sure, even bigger than what we faced last year, given how each side has performed so far, but we will back ourselves.”
Wyllie said the key would be to find a way to stop Taradale’s all-conquering lineout. He anticipated an “extremely physical” encounter, and backed his Tech side to match up to what Taradale brought.
In the other semi, Pirate, who have come on strong in the second half of the season, face a mouthwatering clash with Napier Old Boys Marist (NOBM).
Sheridan Rangihuna’s three successful conversions, to Tech’s Xavier Mccorkindale’s one from three, proved the difference on Saturday.
NOBM warmed up for the semi with a 63-17 demolition of Hastings, which included four tries to Te Kahika Thompson.
In other Saturday results, Pirate won the Division 3 Big Barrel Ron Parker Memorial Trophy against YMP, while Tamatea defended the Division 3A Big Barrel AJ Gardiner Trophy against NOBM.
Clive took a one-point win over Aotea in second division club rugby, which included some great finishes. Photo / Connull Lang
