The Eastern Northern Barbarians lost their semifinal at Oreti Park on Saturday 26-18 to Pirates Old Boys.
At halftime the Barbarians looked on target to progress to the final but a quality second half performance from Pirates Old Boys put an end to the Baabaas’ season.
Old Boys first five-eighth Greg Dyer scored the game’s first try from close range but the Barbarians soon took charge with midfielder Angus Simmers punching through the defence and lock Woody Kirkwood earning plenty of lineout ball.
Halfback Connor Collins and wing Sheamus McGuigan scored tries, and a penalty goal to Ben McCarthy had the Baabaas in front 15-5 at halftime.
McCarthy kicked another goal straight after the resumption before the momentum swung.
Pirates Old Boys dominated territory and possession and forced the under-pressure Baabaas into giving up penalties.
Replacement forward Ben Keenan scored in the corner and a penalty goal from Dyer reduced the margin 18-13.
Blindside Dusty Coveney barged over for a converted try and Dyer kicked a penalty goal and a dropped goal to round out the scoring.
Barbarians Coach Bretton Taylor said his team was outplayed in the second half.
"There was no lack of effort but we struggled to exit cleanly and had to make too many tackles. Our loosies tackled to a standstill.
"We are disappointed but that’s footy.
"We had a good enough team to win but we couldn’t."
Star beat Woodlands 31-21 in the other semifinal on Les George Oval.
Star were the favourites and got out to a 31-7 lead before Woodlands scored two converted tries.
Woodlands Coach Richard Jones said the game was a good contest.
"We had a good dig and played a bit of footy but they’re a strong side and deserved the win."
Jones was proud of how his squad performed this year.
"We had a good group, plenty of young guys. We had a tonne of injuries but everyone stepped up."
The division one round-robin competition came to a close last week.
Waikaka-Riversdale Vikings will host Pioneer in Waikaka in one semifinal this Saturday, and Wyndham will host Edendale.
The Vikings retained the Speight’s Shield after beating Te Anau 34-5 last weekend.
The Vikings made good use of the wind in the first half and built a commanding 24-0 lead.
Te Anau displayed determination for the full 80 minutes.
Halfback Ben McKnight expertly directed the Vikings. Openside Blake Tippet made strong carries and was dependable in defence.
Wing Zach Hall made good yards when he had the ball and first five-eighth Rowan McKenzie scored two tries.
Wyndham beat Edendale 25-12 in rough weather conditions at Edendale on Friday night.
Wyndham pushed through a tough first half and held the majority of possession in the second half to secure the win, and earn a home ground semifinal.
Lock Logan Howe was man of the match, while hooker Mark Kingsbury led from the front.
First five Michael Robinson converted two of his team’s three tries and landed two penalties.
Edendale played well enough and remain confident of reversing this result this weekend.
Edendale’s best was openside Coebie Symes.
First-five Bram Fodie and prop Jacob Waide did their part.
Halfback Connor Millane played his 100th game for the Magpies.
Albion beat Tokanui 21-20 away at Tokanui.
This was both teams’ last game of the season.
Albion had five wins and a draw from their 12 games.
The Albion Women’s team beat Blues 20-12 in their semifinal and will play against top qualifier Star this Saturday.
By John Langford
