Senior said the match against Wanganui High was typical of finals rugby with neither team giving an inch and the result being in doubt right to the end.
Wanganui High's backs always looked threatening on attack and while their pack lacked real size they too were a skilful unit.
It was, however, Wairarapa College who made most of the running in the early stages with a converted try to Chaz Matthews from a well-worked set piece giving them the lead. Soon after Wanganui High scored with a long-range counter-attack try but it was Wairarapa College who went to the halftime break with a 13-8 advantage, having added two penalties to their scoreline.
The second half very much belonged to Wanganui High in a territorial sense. They used the wind wisely and kept Wairarapa College trapped in their own half for long periods. A try to Wanganui High made it 13-13 and it wasn't until the closing stanza that Wairarapa College launched a series of attacks which ended with Wanganui High conceding a penalty in what was to be the last play of the day.
It was not an easy kick, being 15m from the right touchline and into a strong southerly wind, but Abe Southey was equal to the task, calmly slotting the ball between the posts to give Wairarapa College a memorable 16-13 win.
Coach Senior is expecting another difficult assignment against Manurewa HS.
He said the fact they had made it through to the semis by accounting for several school in the Chiefs region was in itself was a testimony to their strength.
"We will be doing some homework on them over the next couple of days but it's more about ensuring that we perfect our own game plan rather than worry too much about what they might do," Senior said.
