The introduction of Magpies loosie Trent Boswell-Wakefield as a second-half sub was a key factor in the visitors' comeback, while props Mark Braidwood and Tolu Fahamokioa also impressed in the visiting pack.
While the Tech backline wasn't as cohesive as NOBM's, midfielders Ted Walters and Nathan Ramsay and fullback Trinity Spooner-Neera had memorable moments. Powerful No8 Joseph Penitito, openside flanker Pouvi Fatialofa and locks Matt Thompson were workaholics in the host pack.
Halfback Ellery Wilson, centre Chris Johnson and fullback Liam Edwards were all adventurous in the NOBM backline.
-Pirate 39 Central 3
Tanalised Napier Pirate Rugby and Sports celebrated their club day with this walloping at Tamatea Park.
"We were put to the sword ... Pirates were just too good," Northfuels Central coach Exham Wichman said afterwards.
Tighthead prop Conrad Reiter had his best outing of the season for the hosts. Another of their unsung heroes, No8 Tom Nicol, was dynamic and first five-eighth David Neilson directed the backline well in his return from injury.
Pivot Daniel Hardwidge and winger Karawa Russell operated well in the Central backline.
Blindside flanker Jason Cutbush was the best of the visiting forwards and Wichman, a former Magpies loosie, believed he had the potential to be a Magpie within the next three seasons.
-Taradale 30 MAC 21
The conceding of numerous penalties around the ruck area proved costly for MAC in this Flaxmere Park encounter.
"One of our props, Mason Kean, was yellow-carded for a ruck infringement and while he was in the bin Taradale scored their fourth try," MAC coach Anthony Morley said.
Former Magpies captain and second five-eighth Jason Shoemark was classy in the winning backline.
Flankers Jaaron Fritz and Tom Stanley and locks Elijah Martin and captain Andrew Gardner were all inspirational in the Taradale pack.
Enterprising fullback Tom Iosefo, who scored two tries, former Manawatu fullback Lewis Marshall, playing at centre, and Kean all made Morley's MVP list.
-Havelock 50 Clive 13
Defending champions Progressive Meats Havelock North manager Conrad Waitoa again heaped kudos on their unheralded pack after this Anderson Park romp.
Tighthead prop Emmanuel Maui, No8 Harlan Solomon and lock Phil McRoberts were all prominent. Their side was guilty of rushing things in the first half as they established a 14-6 lead but played with the necessary patience in the second half.
"We were hit by the Havelock North train," K9 Petfoods Clive coach Andy Green said.
Captain and hooker Jorian Tangaere and openside flanker James Tango were the best of the Clive forwards. Centre Jonah Lowe was enterprising in the visiting backline.
-Hastings 81 Tamatea 0
Ansin & Monteith Hastings Rugby and Sports centre Mike Ward celebrated his 50th appearance for the visitors with a try and a conversion in this Bill Mathewson Park thrashing.
Earlier in his career Ward played 50 games for Napier Technical. Lock Jonno Makris and prop Paulo Nu'u were tireless workers in the Hastings engine room while the halfback-first five-eighth combination of Enoka Chung Ching and Jayden Rihia provided quality service.
Second five-eighth Henare Harris was again constructive in the Tamatea backline where the father-and-son pair of centre Jason and fullback Ash Robinson had memorable moments. Tamatea coach Tane Cooper said a lengthy injury list continues to make things tough for his camp.
