Last year's finalists Ponsonby and Grammar Carlton will again compete for the Gallaher Shield at Auckland Grammar after two contrasting wins in semifinals action yesterday.
Ponsonby are chasing a record eighth consecutive title and looked assured from the kickoff against University, racing to a 20-0 lead at the break beforecruising home 35-7.
But Grammar Carlton were let off by Papatoetoe's poor goalkicking and won 19-16. The game was held up for 25 minutes early in the first half before an ambulance arrived to take Grammar Carlton's promising prop Ben Suisala to hospital with concussion.
Papatoetoe's stellar form has been the big surprise this year but they missed their inspirational captain Ben Masoe away on Auckland duty, while Grammar Carlton's Onosa'i Auva'a was omitted from the squad and could play for his club.
Auva'a produced the match-turning moment with Papatoetoe leading 8-3. Papatoetoe looked certain to score until Auva'a turned the ball over in the tackle and Grammar Carlton counter-attacked.
Grammar Carlton fullback Dave Thomas scored in the next play and with Michigan Lam's excellent sideline conversion, they had the lead 10-8 at halftime. Papatoetoe scored in the opening minute through elusive centre Tenina Sauilioge after a clever planned move.
Papatoetoe scored again in the second spell through fullback Timoteo Iosua but unfortunately they kept conceding penalties.
At Colin Maiden Park, Ponsonby's veteran first five Brett Williams showed why experience is so important in finals football. He used the wind in the first half to give his side territorial dominance and produced some individual magic to put Paula Kaveinga across late in the game, after fullback Chay Raui had made the game safe with a smartly taken try.
