Rugby: Papakura claim first final berth

Papakura beat Ardmore Marist 15-13 to go directly into the Counties Manukau club rugby final in a fortnight.

Steelers loose forwards Hare Makiri and Dion Kingi dominated play, while props Alan McLean and Nathan Te Puni had the better of their Ardmore Marist opposition.

Papakura were 15-3 in front soon after halftime through tries from Jeremy Pu and Sean Clotworthy, and looked likely to run out comfortable winners.

However, Ardmore Marist rallied, with locks Kristian Ormsby and Mike Sala in good form, and a late try to Jeremy Murray saw them come back to 13-15, only to see the conversion miss from in front of the posts.

Waiuku pulled off a major surprise in the minor semifinal, beating last year's champions Pukekohe 31-8.

Veteran halfback Michael Scott and 19-year-old first five-eighths Gavin Donald dictated play perfectly for the winners.

Waiuku dominated throughout, with locks P. J. Winchester and Ramon Lindsay stealing much of Pukekohe's lineout ball.

Waiuku now play Ardmore Marist next week to see who will challenge Papakura in the final.