Pirate first five-eighth David Neilson controlled play well and provided plenty of attacking opportunities for his outside backs. Flanker Aaron McPhee and No8 Marcus Donovan were impressive in the visiting pack.
All of the Central players deserve praise for the effort they put into their attempt for a winning tribute to Barr. Tighthead prop Baden Anderson and lock Lance Baker were tireless workers in Central's engine room and first five-eighth Lee Stewart the pick of the hosts' backs.
MAC 18 Tamatea 14
Relief was written all over the face of MAC head coach Anthony Morley after this nailbiter at Flaxmere Park.
This victory is likely to see his troops avoid an appearance in the promotion-relegation game at the end of the season. Captain and lock Everard Reid again led the host pack by example. Tighthead prop Clinton Vaiusu, a late starting XV replacement for Waven Hapi, who broke his leg in a social basketball game last week, deserved his entry on Morley's MVP list.
Halfback Colin Hokianga and second five-eighth Ihaka Waerea were among the best in the MAC backline. While Tamatea fought back well after trailing 18-7 early in the second half they were guilty of being far too individualistic.
Powerful prop Pai Pai Siafolau deserved his two tries. Lock Toe Taliu and substitute loosie Fiti Aiolupotea also had memorable moments in the visiting pack.
With three top four teams to play it will be a major surprise if Tamatea don't play the promotion-relegation game.
Taradale 48 Clive 12
Former Samoa Under-20 prop Ezrah Amituanai took his season try tally to 11 with a hat-trick as Carters Frame and Truss Taradale retained the Hawke's Bay Challenge Shield with this home win.
It was a timely display of Amituanai's ball carrying strength as the pressure has intensified in the tussle for the sixth prop's berth in the Magpies squad. Taradale second five-eighth Billy Ropiha produced a player-of-the-match performance.
Halfback Chris Eaton and No8 Kaleb Sweet were others to shine for the hosts. Captain Jorian Tangaere, who played 60 minutes at prop and 20 in his regular role of hooker, and blindside flanker Jesse Tuhua deserve kudos for their never-say-die approach in the Clive pack while Aussie first five-eighth Kyle Beakey was the best of the visitors' backs.
NOBM 43 Tech 26
Defending champions Tech Group of Companies Napier Technical's hopes of reaching the semifinals were dealt a blow with this Park Island loss.
Sixth-placed Tech have second-placed Taradale, fifth-placed Hastings Rugby and Sports and seventh-placed Central to play.
"Fundamental mistakes let us down. All our remaining games are must-wins now," Tech manager Cyril Whitburn said.
"We took advantage of that strong wind in the first half," Hawke's Bay Insurances Limited Napier Old Boys Marist manager Mike Smith said referring to his team's 31-5 halftime lead.
Halfback Ellery Wilson, Hurricanes lock Mark Abbott and experienced winger Migao Lauano all made Smith's MVP list. Magpies loosie Trent Boswell-Wakefield was an inspirational forward for Tech before leaving the field with his back injury which has nagged him throughout the season.
Havelock 32 Hastings 11
Unbeaten leaders Progressive Meats Havelock North dominated the final 15 minutes at Elwood Park.
"We did well to lead 10-6 at halftime after playing into a strong wind but we ran away with the game during the final 15," villagers' manager Richard Kinnear said.
Prop Kelly Petrowski, lock George Philip and loosie Tony Lamborn were Havelock forwards who stamped their authority on the match. Promising second five-eighth Kalin Paewai was constructive and destructive as required.
IMS Payroll Hastings Rugby and Sports co-coach Aaron Bartlett praised Havelock's aggression at the breakdown. However he was disappointed the assistant referees weren't wired up enough to police the breakdowns.
