Rugby
Citizens Shield form went out the door on Saturday in the final qualifying round.
Third-placed Old Boys beat competition leader Valley 26-24 at Weston Park, fourth-placed Maheno hammered second-placed Excelsior 57-7 and, in the game between the two bottom sides, Kurow accounted for Athletic Marist 47-5.
In the semifinals next week, Valley will play Maheno and Excelsior will meet Old Boys.
Excelsior, which had come from behind to beat Old Boys the previous weekend, was given a rugby lesson.
Maheno was inspired by an outstanding performance from halfback Robbie Smith. Maheno led 33-0 at halftime and cruised home, Smith scoring one try and converting six.
Right winger Adam Johnson scored a pair of tries.
Old Boys made it two wins from three matches against 2018 winner Valley by a mere two points.
Old Boys dominated the first half although it took 35 minutes to turn that into points. Ralph Darling and Manu Taiti both touched down just before the break to give their side a 14-0 lead.
Valley hit back five minutes into the second half when midfielder Howard Packman scored but, Old Boys lock Sale Pi'i hit back to make it 19-5. Packman scored again, before Sam Sturgess' try was converted by Brad McKenzie to make the score 19-17.
Valley took the lead when Jake Greenslade's try was converted, but Pi'i scored his second two minutes later to put Old Boys back ahead.
McKenzie had an opportunity in the final minute to give Valley victory with a penalty goal, but it drifted outside.
Athletic Marist, which has had to default three times this season, wraped up the season for it and Kurow at Kurow.
Kurow won 47-5 after leading 21-5 at halftime. Ryan Ambler, Tonga Malafu and Tom Harding scored tries in the first half and Sam McDonald converted all three.
Kurow added four tries in the second half to Jason Angland, Michael Paterson, Ross Anderson and Isaac Milne. McDonald converted two and Tyler Burgess one.
Netball
Valley Gold and Maheno Green maintained unbeaten runs in premier netball at the Hine Marae courts on Saturday.
Valley Gold pulled away in the fourth quarter to beat St Kevin's A 39-29.
In a tough contest Brytnee Firman stood out at goal shoot. She created a plenty of space in the circle, while goal keep Sarah Newlands was a nuisance for St Kevin's attack and wing defence Mikayla Cleveland drove strongly through court.
St Kevin's had a slow start, trailing 11-5 after the first quarter. Basic mistakes and missed shots left it 22-14 behind at halftime.
St Kevin's fought back in the third quarter to take it it 10-7. Jasmine Emery and Hannah Cunningham were a strong duo on defence.
Maheno Green was impressive on attack and defence, not allowing Kurow A to score more than five goals in any quarter.
Centre Kat Kawau led the charge, connecting well with goal shoot Suzy Oakes. Goal defence Mel Smith was outstanding in turning over 17 balls, backed up by Rachel Armstrong at goal keep.
Waitaki Girls' High School Wildfire, having lost its previous two games, deperately needed a win against an improving Athletic Maroon.
In the first quarter, Wildfire came out strongly, shooting out to a six-goal lead after the first quarter.
Athletic clawed it back and tied up the score in the final quarter but, after some stern talking, Wildfire pulled away to win 39-29.
Waitaki Girls' Lightning Strike looked composed and assured on attack and defence to beat Valley Silver 42-28.
In a rescheduled game, St Kevin's A beat Valley Silver 40-17.
- Terry O'Neill