Flanker Jordan Faia had a massive defensive workrate and substitute lock Elijah Martin was full of authority as Tech handed Auto Super Shoppe Hastings Rugby and Sports their first loss in seven matches this season.
Halfback Folau Fakatava was again classy for the hosts. His 50-metre try after a clever solo kick and chase move in the second half was a match highlight.
Centre Timo Vaiusu was also outstanding in the hosts' backline, with a try and three successes from five attempts at goal. Flanker Jardine Chung Ching's workrate on defence was just as high as Faia's.
Hastings co-manager James Rosenberg agreed discipline lapses proved costly for his troops and he was disappointed they didn't take a late penalty attempt at goal which would have sent the match into extra time had it been successful.
NOBM 89 Taradale 17
WIT Napier Old Boys Marist head coach Craig Gowler didn't expect his troops to be as dominant as this in the Park Island-hosted semifinal.
"We led 40-3 at halftime two weeks after Taradale had beaten us in the first half of our last game. But we prepared really well and played very well. We got early points which gave us confidence. They got few opportunities and lacked discipline while we wanted it more," Gowler said.
Captain and openside flanker Chris Johnston again led his Green Machine by example as the hosts posted their 41st consecutive win and booked a home final against the Texans.
Halfback Ellery Wilson scored four tries and first five-eighth Johnny Lauano finished with 25 points from 10 conversions and a try.
Taradale Rugby and Sports manager Paul Wise said poor ball retention proved costly for the visitors.
"It's hard enough playing them and trying to starve them of ball but then you conceded soft turnovers. They are on top of their game, a class act and credit must be given where it is due."
First five-eighth Brad Truesdale, No 8 and captain Andrew Gardner and flanker Nathan Tweedy all made Wise's MVP list.
Clive 55 Tamatea 35
Winger Brendon Pena scored four tries for K9 Petfoods Clive in this victory at the Hawke's Bay Regional Sports Park.
New Magpies midfield back Sasa Tofilau was another to shine in the visitors' backline.
Blindside flanker Mackay Sione was a tireless worker in the winning pack.
First five-eighth Lincoln McClutchie was again the best of the Jarks Tamatea players.
Second five-eighth David Neho also impressed in the visiting backline while flanker Pohaitere Ross was constructive and destructive as required for Tamatea.
MAC 35 Pirate 22
Uncontested scrums were used in this Flaxmere Park encounter as Tanalised Napier Pirate Rugby and Sports were lacking regular frontrowers.
However this didn't reduce the desire of both teams to produce an open, entertaining clash. Fullback Johnny Ika was again full of endeavour in an MAC backline which thrived on crisp service from halfback Brigham Morley. Lock Teina Huia was the best of the MAC forwards.
Pirate manager Charles Reid said the visitors had their chances to win the match but handling errors let them down. His lads came back well in the second half after trailing 28-10 at halftime.
Pirate centre Al Momoisea scored three tries. Fullback Ted Symes was another to shine in the visiting backline and blindside flanker Monty Tuala was again inspirational in the Pirate pack.
A lack of players forced Northfuels Central to default their match against Progressive Meats Havelock North.
