Hastings Rugby and Sports premier rugby captain and openside flanker Tivaini Fomai has no qualms about missing out on Hawke's Bay's club MVP award.
Fomai, the 2006 winner of the award, was edged out by two points by Havelock North's Tony Lamborn.
"Tony is an up and comer and he deserved it. I've now got the opportunity to get the best consolation prize, a Maddison Trophy winners' medal ... I've been second twice when I played for Havelock North and hopefully this is a case of third time lucky," Fomai said after Saturday's Tui Maddison Trophy semifinals.
His IMS Payroll Hastings Rugby and Sports side beat Carters Frame and Truss Taradale 23-16 in their Elwood Park encounter. The hosts returned to form after their shocker the previous week, a 48-13 loss to Havelock North.
"Our semifinal berth was already booked last week and Havelock were pumped after losing to us in the first round. We bounced back well today because we knew Taradale weren't going to be easy," Fomai added.
Hastings winger Ioane Ioane celebrated his 50th outing for the hosts with the first try of the game. Halfback Adam Ross was again lively while fullback James Rosenberg and centre Star Timu were constructive on attack.