Taradale have yet to play a game where they haven’t taken a four-try bonus point, but Havelock North made them work hard in what was a must-win for them.
Waa said their start was crucial and the pressure built by Trinity Spooner-Neera’s try assists and perfect day off the tee was also important.
Napier Tech co-coach Craig Wyllie said they would go into this year’s semis as underdogs, with most picking Taradale to go all the way, but they would be up for it.
“We’re very excited about the challenge. It’s a big hurdle for sure, even bigger than what we faced last year, given how each side has performed so far, but we will back ourselves.”
Wyllie said the key would be to find a way to stop Taradale’s all-conquering lineout. He anticipated an “extremely physical” encounter, and backed his Tech side to match up to what Taradale brought.
In the other semi, Pirate, who have come on strong in the second half of the season, face a mouthwatering clash with Napier Old Boys Marist (NOBM).
Sheridan Rangihuna’s three successful conversions, to Tech’s Xavier Mccorkindale’s one from three, proved the difference on Saturday.
NOBM warmed up for the semi with a 63-17 demolition of Hastings, which included four tries to Te Kahika Thompson.
In other Saturday results, Pirate won the Division 3 Big Barrel Ron Parker Memorial Trophy against YMP, while Tamatea defended the Division 3A Big Barrel AJ Gardiner Trophy against NOBM.
Club rugby results
Bayleys Commercial Maddison Trophy
Pirate: 21 Tries: Jarryd Broughton, Joel Russell, Chaz Heke Conversions: Sheridan Rangihuna (3) NTOB: 17 Try: Xavier Mccorkindale, Teddy Walters, Timothy Farrell Conversions: Xavier Mccorkindale
NOBM: 63 Tries: Michael Beech, Te Kahika Thompson (4), Tuli Faleiva, Josh Gimblett, Pedro Bezanilla, Josh McIntyre, Kere Penitito (2) Conversions: Josh McIntyre (2), Kade Manuel-Green, Kere Penitito HRS: 17 Tries: Daniel Toala, Koby Deacon, Jessie Lesa-Sipaia Conversion: Koby Deacon
TRSC: 38 Tries: Brayden Cunningham, CJ Mienie, Dylan Gallien, Andrew Gardner, Trinity Spooner-Neera Conversions: Trinity Spooner-Neera (5) Penalty: Trinity Spooner-Neera Havelock North: 7 Try: Avian Rihia Conversion: William Cole
Hepa Paewai Memorial Trophy
Clive: 29 Tries: Jayden Falcon, Tomasi Vukirubu, Aminiasi Koroi, Kai Hamashima, Charles Varcoe Conversions: Flynn Gallagher (2) Aotea: 28 Tries: Samuel Jones, Jone Tuikoro, Jahnique Whaitiri, Kempa Kopua Conversions: Trent Conway (3), Waka Petera
MAC: 73 Tries: Mesake Cataki (2), Benidito Vakaruru (2), Elia Bari (2), Mefiposeti Tupou, John Ika, Maika Fehoko, Sawelio Macenalagi, Fraser Taurima-Heperi Conversions: Benidito Vakaruru (7), Maika Fehoko, Fraser Taurima-Heperi Tamatea: 12 Tries: Ethan Angitoa, Brook Lone Conversion: Ash Robinson-Bartlett
CHB: 36 Tries: Tyler Kopua, Tom Beachen, Rhys Hardwidge, George Macpherson, Zaccheaus Simpson, Penalty TRY. Conversions: Yasushi Katsuta (2) Bridge Pā: 24 Tries: Tawa Huata, Roger Paewai, Hemi Waerea, Taniera Miratana Conversion: Taniera Miratana (2)
