Hamilton Hornets premiers defaulted to the Otumoetai Eels on Saturday, because of a bereavement, which ensured the Eels have made the Waikato-Coastline combined semifinal playoffs. The final round this Saturday will determine where everyone finishes on the ladder
If the Eels can knock over 6th placed Turangawaewae, who cannot makethe playoffs, in Ngaruawahia by three points having received 19 points for their default win, they will finish third. That means they will have the chance to get vengeance on Hamilton City Tigers who beat them last week but then were battered 36-6 by top dogs Taniwharau in Huntly on Saturday.
Otumoetai received 19 points because this is their average score from their 11 games during the season.
In other matches this Saturday, Taniwharau should prove far too strong for early season surprises Hukanui and move into fifth spot, while Hamilton City Tigers play the Hornets to cement second placing.
The Eels will ave the chance to seal their destiny by pushing them into sudden death playoffs fourth placing by defeating Turangawaewae by three points, if not Otumoetai could finish fourth themselves.
