The game was played at a frantic pace with both teams having moments of domination. The standout player for Pikiao was Pirikawana Taiatini who played like a man possessed - tackling anything with a blue and gold jersey as well as charging at Pacific's defensive line with little care for his or his opponents' well being.
Equally, Pacific captain Shane Te Kuru kept his troops rallied and was just as aggressive on attack and defence.
Pikiao were the first to score 10 minutes into the match with Andrew Gardiner darting from dummy half, however Rhys Hohepa was unsuccessful with the conversion and would also miss his second attempt 15 minutes later after Reggie Lingman scored in the corner.
Pacific looked to have scored their first try when one of their players crossed the line but in his attempt to score under the post had the ball stripped by Connor Hohepa.
However, Pacific centre Delany Takiri left no doubt about his side's opening try when he crashed through some feeble tackling to score the first of his two tries. Winger Ngari Hawkins converted to take his side into the break 8-6 down.
The barnstorming centre was back in for his second, again showing up some of Pikiao's frailties on defence when he busted through three weak tackles to score next to the post for Hawkins to convert.
Pikiao retook the lead soon after when centre Tetoiroa Tahuriorangi crashed over for Connor Hohepa to convert.
With 10 minutes remaining momentum swung back towards Pacific and the visitors where hard on attack when Pikiao were penalised for an attempted strip in the tackle. Hawkins levelled the score with a penalty kick.
Pacific were soon back on attack and had Pikiao stretched when Jeremy Siulepa crashed over under the post, in what Pikiao supporters thought was a double movement. Hawkins had no trouble slotting the kick over to take the lead 20-14.
Although Pikiao tried to come back, Pacific maintained their composure and will now rest and wait on this weekend's match between Pikiao and Taupo at Puketawhero Park to see who they will play in the grand-final the following weekend.
Meanwhile, in the reserve grade semifinals Central have booked themselves a grand-final berth after beating Pikiao reserves 32-26. Pikiao will now play Mangakino after they beat Pacific 36-20 in Mangakino.
Scorers:
Pacific 20 (Delany Takiri 2, Jeremy Siulepa tries; Ngari Hawkins 3 cons, 1 pen) Pikiao 14(Andrew Gardiner, Reggie Lingman Tetoiroa Tahuriorangi tries; Connor Hohepa 1 con) Halftime: 6-8.
More picture action on page 31.
