University CBD’s aspirations of retaining the Men’s Intercity Riverside Fertilizer Cup were extinguished by a valiant Papakura side over the weekend.
Previously unbeaten University, was stunned early in the first semi final when young Papakura striker Richard Dunning scored in the opening moments of the game. James Hawley responded with a low drag flicked PC conversion but in a mediocre first half defensive effort by the students, Mike Hook and James Glen increased the visitors’ advantage.
Papakura’ 3-1 half time lead should have been even greater but for a combination of poor finishing and some good saves by Chris Lawry in goal. Varsity stepped it up in the second half and although showing glimpses of previous form struggled against the tenacious tackling and defensive organisation led by centre half Mark Kake and goalkeeper Andrew Lawson. Mike Hill eventually sparked a revival with a deft touch and Hawley equalised from another PC conversion to set up a frenetic last ten minutes. Hook quashed local hopes minutes from the end from a fast break out and again the visitors defence held firm against a sustained attack. Papakura thoroughly deserved the win with greater all round commitment and will play against Valley United in next weeks final after Valley convincingly repelled the challenge from Kohekohe to win the other semi final 5-1.

Waikato and University hopes will now fully rely on the women with Avenue Storage University downing Aces 3-1 in Rotorua in their final round robin match and will be hosted in next weeks final by Otumoetai in Tauranga.

Fraser Tech Women will host Aces in Hamilton by virtue of a superior goal scoring record with the two sides equal on points and goal differential. Papakura’s delight was compounded with a hard fought 1-0 win by their women’s side over Te Awamutu and earned the right to host Te Awamutu in next weeks playoff for 7th-8th.

In other playoff games The RIV Suburbs Piako came back from a 3 nil deficit to score five second half goals to secure a 5-3 win over Mt Maunganui and host Tauranga Old Boys for a disappointing 9th-10th placing. Hamilton Old Boys played their customary catch up hockey in the local derby against Fraser Tech and trailed 3 nil before a concerted fight back saw them level 3 all at half time. Tech again started the second half with sharper finishing but Old Boy’s Fraser Kilgour and Brendon Harland both converted late in the game to snatch the 5-4 win. Old Boys will host Pukekohe Indians for 5th-6th whilst Tech travels to Tauranga in a rematch with Otumoetai for 7th-8th.

Final Pool Standings Womens Intercity