"We didn't control the ball very well in the second half, we showed a lack of composure and a lack of discipline."
Springfield's goalkeeper was forced to make crucial second-half saves before Mangapai were able to get a late consolation goal, but with less than a minute to go, it was too little too late.
In the other premier men's semifinal, Maungakaramea held out a determined Whangārei Boys' High School side 4-3 in a see-sawing game.
After being down early in the game, two quick goals to Maungakaramea swung the momentum back in their favour and their captain Sam Webb said the belief within his side is what gave them the confidence they needed.
"There is definitely a lot of belief within the team and sometimes in those tight games that's what you need," Webb said.
Maungakaramea will have two premier final contenders after their women's side beat Springfield 2-0 in their semifinal match.
It was a tight tussle and it wasn't until the final quarter that Maungakaramea scored through Morgan Forrester, before Anna Alexander secured the win with a second goal with four minutes to go.
In the other women's semifinal, Old Girls were too clinical for Whangārei Girls' High School, storming into next Saturday's final with a 5-1 win.
The grand finals of all grades will be played next Saturday with Maungakaramea facing Hora Hora in the reserve men's final and Hikurangi playing Maungakaramea in the reserve A women's final.