CLUB RUGBY:

Coastal and Spotswood United will compete for the CMK premier club rugby title after winning their respective semi-finals on Saturday.

At Yarrow Stadium, Spotswood United turned on a spectacular 37-point second half scoring spree to beat Tukapa 37-19 and Coastal’s defence was superb against New Plymouth Old Boys winning 26-15 in Rahotu.

As a result, Spotswood United advance to just their second premier final next weekend.

Their match against Tukapa, on a wind-swept No 2 field, was a classic game of two halves.

At half time, after Tukapa had first use of the wind, Spotswood United’s chances of making its first final since 1995, appeared doubtful after an error-ridden effort. After scoring three tries, Tukapa led 19-0.

The first went to Fijian Under 20 representative Issac Kneepkens, who showed good acceleration, and then came tries to Nathaniel Peters and Lagen Kumeroa. Both of those were instigated by midfielder Lukas Halls, who was Tukapa’s best.

But Tukapa started the second half poorly. After Kumeroa spilled a Spotswood United clearing kick, Moses Christie scored. Accurate kicking from flyhalf Josh Jacomb further reduced the margin shortly after to just six points.

Suddenly, Spotswood United’s wonky lineout improved, their confidence soared and it was Tukapa who looked unable to break out from their own half into the wind.

The Spotswood juggernaut became even more pronounced. Former Taranaki rep Paul Perez, back after a number of seasons away, grew in confidence and his try at the 61 minute mark gave the lead to Spotswood United.

An intercept try from 60m out to TJ Ane seven minutes later put the difference beyond seven and then, following yet another intercept, Christie added a second in the final minute to complete the remarkable transformation.

Meanwhile in Rahotu, Coastal will play in their third final in as many years after their win against Old Boys.

Coastal denied Old Boys scoring opportunities and forced the defending champions to make key errors at important times.

However, it was the visitors that scored first within the opening five minutes as Daniel Waite spotted a small hole to dive over the line.

But that was all Old Boys could mange in the first half as Coastal got out to a 19-5 lead at the break. Tries came from Josh Thomson, Sam Lawn and Troy Stevenson.

Coastal continued their control in the match defending at will close to their line as Old Boys played with a strong breeze at their back. Brayton Northcott-Hill scored for Old Boys but Tevita Fa’ukafa dotted down at the other end to ensure the win for Coastal.  

Article added: Sunday 07 July 2019