"It was a massive effort in which everyone had a blinder. Yes we are disappointed with the loss but it wasn't through a lack of trying."
With their two bonus points Havelock North are one of six teams in contention for semifinal berths going into the final round. Co-captain Phil McRoberts scored his first try in 51 outings for the villagers.
Hastings 45 Clive 13
Auto Super Shoppe Hastings Rugby and Sports did Havelock North a huge favour with this Farndon Park walloping.
"We were on defence for the first 20 minutes but once we got our hands on the ball we were able to put points on the board," Hastings manager James Rosenberg said.
"While Marino [Highlanders and Magpies loosie Mikaele-Tu'u] made a big difference we played well as a team. We did well considering we were on the wrong end of a 15-1 penalty count and Jason [Long] got a yellow card just before halftime for a professional foul," Rosenberg added.
Blindside flanker Jardine Chung Ching and lock Jono Makris were an inspirational pair in the Hastings pack. Centre Timo Vaiusu was always a threat in the winning backline.
K9 Petfoods Clive coach Vaine Maui admitted Hastings wanted the win more than his troops. His side must beat Tamatea next week and hope Havelock North beat Central in order for them to book a semifinal.
Prop Etu Tuanaki, fullback Sebastian Visibia and centre Jonah Lowe all made Maui's MVP list.
Tech 31 Tamatea 10
Altherm Window Systems Napier Technical sent Jarks Tamatea to the promotion-relegation clash with this victory at the Hawke's Bay Regional Sports Park.
It was the Nash Cup second placegetters' first win in the Maddison Trophy comp and Texans manager Cyril Whitburn said there was a "bit of relief" afterwards.
"It was a messy game because of the pressure on both teams," Whitburn added.
Locks Todd Cushing and Elijah Martin provided plenty of fire at the coalface for the visitors while winger Misi Lealaisalona attracted numerous defenders, which meant there were plenty of holes elsewhere for his teammates. While Tamatea had the services of former All Black hooker Hika Elliot at No 8, coach Matt Marsh said the hosts were missing too many key forwards to be competitive.
"We had no set piece and Tech played the side-to-side game well," Marsh added before singling out first five-eighth Lincoln McClutchie, halfback Mataeus Marsh and centre Colin Hokianga as his most valuable players.
Central 40 MAC 19
Northfuels Central moved up to fourth place on the points table with this convincing win at Waipukurau's Central Park.
There was so much elation in the hosts' changing room when manager Ian Large relayed the news one would have been forgiven if they thought Central had already secured a semifinal berth. Openside flanker Jason Cutbush and prop Cam Pratt had huge workrates in the winning pack.
Winger Jack White was full of enterprise and centre Lewis Marshall was classy against his former team. MAC coach Anthony Morley admitted his lads lacked the necessary accuracy levels and were guilty of kicking too much possession away.
"We didn't treasure the little bit of ball we had and should have been more constructive," Morley said.
Winger Faleniu Iosi made the most of his limited opportunities in the MAC backline. Halfback Tom Iosefo had memorable moments and No 8 Fa'alemiga Selesele was the pick of the MAC forwards.
NOBM 26 Pirate 19
WIT Napier Old Boys Marist head coach Craig Gowler was lamenting his lengthy injury list after this Tamatea Park victory.
"We've got 12 players on the list and several of them are our experienced leaders ... we're pretty smashed up."
Captain and openside flanker Chris Johnston collected a knee injury and outside back Mitch Drew was on crutches with an ankle issue. Johnston was again outstanding before leaving the field and hooker Jack Nelson-Murray was also prominent in the winning pack.
Substitute fullback Sam Weber was full of enterprise. Tanalised Napier Pirate Rugby and Sports head coach Pouri Rakete-Stones snr was thrilled with his team's second half as the hosts trailed 21-5 at halftime.
His frontrow of props Sean Morrison and Pouri Rakete-Stones jnr and hooker Nick Agnew functioned well. Openside flanker Damien Scott and lock Ormond Heather also exceeded expectations.
