Napier Old Boys Marist player-coach Ellery Wilson gave his troops semi-final rehearsal in Hawke's Bay's Maddison Trophy premier club rugby competition the thumbs up today.

"That was the hit out we wanted before the semi-finals and Bain directed play well," Wilson (pictured above, photo Chris Kiely) said referring to first five-eighth Bain Champion.

With a 41-24 victory over fellow semi-finalists Clive Rugby and Sports at Farndon Park Wilson's Green Machine took some of the gloss off the riversiders club day celebrations. Third qualifiers NOBM will have an away semi-final against Taradale Rugby and Sports next Saturday while fourth qualifiers Clive will be away to top qualifiers and defending champions Hastings Rugby and Sports.

While Champion, captain and No 8 Ricky Hayes and blindside flanker Logan Ede were the best of the NOBM starters loosies Pouvi Fatialofa, who had completed a 15km waka ama race prior to kick off, and Will Tremain and halfback Zach Donaldson provided quality impact off the subs bench.

"Obviously we didn't want to give Zach and Will too many minutes after playing for the Magpies on Wednesday night. They will be starting next week and I won't be taking the field," added Wilson who played the final 15 minutes at pivot.

Co-captain and blindside flanker Karetai Williams Paul, lock Taranaki Hokianga and loosehead prop Zac Southwick were prominent in the Clive pack. First five-eighth Tianua Poto impressed with his distribution and succeeded with all four of his attempts at goal.

Scorers:
Napier Old Boys Marist 41 (Liam Edwards, James Holbrook, Michael Buckley, Paul Bickle, Will Tremain, Lee Moleli, Zach Donaldson tries; Bain Champion 3 cons), Clive Rugby and Sports 24 (Josh Greening, Trent Hape, Anzelo Tuitavuki tries; Tianua Poto 3 cons, pen). HT: 19-14.

                 CENTRAL 31 TECH 29
Central Rugby and Sports recovered from a 29-7 halftime deficit to post this Whitmore Park victory.

It spoilt the celebrations associated with Texans second five-eighth Ted Walters (pictured below) 150th match for the hosts.

"We weren't overly worried at halftime because we gave away some soft points in the first half. While we were lucky Tech went away from their attacking game in the second half our team performed well during that period," Central coach Dave Lochore explained.

Busy No 8 Tomo Fogarty, who scored two tries, was inspirational for Central.

Ben Lewis, who scored two tries, and Tamati Samuels, who both had stints at pivot and fullback, were enterprising Tech backs. Prop Mark Braidwood, who played the entire match, and loosie Xavier McCorkindale were the best of the Tech forwards. 

Scorers:
Central Rugby and Sports 31 (Tomo Fogarty 2, William Gunson, Troy McIvor tries; Tate Harte 4 cons, pen), Napier Technical 29 (Ben Lewis 2, Tamati Samuels, Jayden Stok, Scott Mogford tries; Lewis, Xavier McCorkindale cons). HT: Tech 29-7.

                       HASTINGS 31 MAC 14
Hastings Rugby and Sports manager James Rosenberg was rapt his troops secured the maximum five competition points with this Elwood Park victory.
But he was disappointed with the finishing at times.

"You could tell we didn't play last week and we also missed Magpies Jason Long and Mason Emerson," Rosenberg said.

Hooker Miracle Lolofie produced a player-of-the-match display for the hosts. Openside flanker Fale Matamata also shone in the winning pack which impressed at pick and go time. Second five-eighth Ausage Fomai and centre Danny Toala were full of authority in the Hastings backline.

MAC flankers Tupou Afungia and Tiki Greening and No 8 Fa'alemiga Selesele formed a cohesive loose forward trio. Locks Elene Vola and Vilami Maafua provided plenty of grunt.

Fullback Johnny Ika was again the pick of the MAC backs. First five-eighth Jackson Waerea played his final premier match.

Scorers:
Hastings Rugby and Sports 31 (Jayden Rihia, Gideaon Kautai, Connor McLeod, Emil Crichton, Dennis Tapusoa tries; McLeod 2, Danny Toala cons), MAC 14 (Johnny Ika, Sakopo Ofa tries; Vai Kereti, Zedekiah Awa cons). HT: 12-7.
 
NOTE: Taradale Rugby and Sports won their match against Tamatea Rugby and Sports by default.