Flankers Angus Benson and Hugh Reed were again dynamic for Tech while halfback Scott Mogford and fullback Leo Ene were impressive in the Tech backline.
MAC were again guilty of taking wrong options and putting themselves under pressure. Winger David Benson made the most of his limited opportunities and third string openside flanker Api Sione had a huge workrate.
MAC must beat Clive next week and hope Hastings Rugby and Sports upset Taradale in their quest for a semifinal.
NOBM 37 Pirate 17
French first five-eighth Regis Lespinas stole the limelight for Hawke's Bay Insurances Limited Napier Old Boys Marist in this clash of the Park Island neighbours.
Lespinas scored 17 points from a try, three conversions and two penalties in a player-of-the-match performance. It was his second start for the side and head coach Mike Warren is impressed with his talent and attitude to the game.
"Regis is training with the Magpies in the hope of securing an ITM Cup contract. However he has told us he won't be too worried if he misses out ... he will complete the season with us and then buy a car and see New Zealand."
Prop Jarvy Aoake and lock Adam Whitehead were others to shine for NOBM. Tanalised Napier Pirate Rugby and Sports manager Murray Kennedy said taking the length of his team's injury list into account he was happy with the effort from his troops and the score wasn't a true reflection of the game.
Openside flanker Hamish Willis, captain and No8 Marcus Donovan and second five-eighth Matt Hill all made Kennedy's MVP list.
Havelock North 76 Clive 5
Progressive Meats Havelock North head coach Tom Blake was singing the praises of 18-year-old tighthead prop Adam Jowsey after this Farndon Park drubbing.
"For one so young Adam is learning his trade well in his first season at this level. His carries and ball handling as well as his scrummaging saw him earn player-of-the-match honours," Blake said.
Second five-eighth Levi Armstrong and first five-eighth Adam Blake, who kicked eight conversions from 12 attempts at goal, were others to impress as the villagers outscored their hosts 12 tries to one. Clive manager Alan Nisbet said his injury list was so long he had to put himself on the team sheet as the 22nd player.
Lock Sven Hogenesch and No8 Jorian Tangaere toiled tirelessly in the Clive pack while first five-eighth Herman Ah Kiong was the best of the host backs.
Taradale 36 Central 21
Carters Frame and Truss Taradale kept their semifinal hopes alive with this home victory which wasn't as dominant as the score suggests.
Central led 14-0 midway through the first spell but conceded two soft tries to lead 14-12 at halftime. Taradale coach Blair Cross was proud of the manner his players increased the intensity level in the second half and ran in four tries.
Loosies Andrew Gardner and Jaaron Fritz battled effectively in the host pack while halfback Karl Hewitt again operated well. Blindside flanker Mua Sala produced some spectacular defensive hits for Central and joined prop Andrew Martin as the pick of the visiting forwards.
Second five-eighth Kane Nepe-Apatu and winger Daniel McIntyre both had memorable patches in the Central backline.
Hastings 53 Tamatea 15
IMS Payroll Hastings Rugby and Sports first five-eighth Luke Makris was the top pointscorer in the round with an 18-point haul in this Bill Mathewson Park thrashing.
Makris converted six of his team's seven tries and kicked two penalties. Loosehead prop and captain Jason Long led the Hastings pack by example. Lock Geoff Cridge and blindside flanker Tom Burns were also valuable contributors to the winning pack.
Hastings co-coach Karl Jones pointed out Tamatea's never-say-die approach wasn't reflected by the final score. Loosies BJ Bland and Hamiora Rowlands and prop Richie Eagle were Tamatea's best.
