Cash-Tech given lesson by classy Aucklanders

Cashmere Technical were given a stern reality check in the national women’s football knockout semifinals.

Tech coasted through the Mainland Premier League this season, scoring 123 goals in 18 games on their way to winning the title.

They were outclassed in their semi-final at Christchurch’s Garrick Park on Saturday, being crushed 6-0 by Auckland’s Forrest Hill Milford.

It will be an all-Auckland affair in the final on September 11 after Glenfield Rovers edged past Upper Hutt City 1-0, courtesy of a fine Katie Rood goal.

Upper Hutt City put up a brave fight against the two-time defending national knockout champions, who had to work hard for victory.

Forrest Hill, who finished fifth in the Northern Premier League women’s competition, delivered a clinical performance and had too much quickness, precision and smarts for their Tech opponents.

Experienced Tech striker Megan Shea said it was a frustrating afternoon. Tech had only conceded nine goals in the league this season, but gave up six in 90 minutes.

‘‘It just highlights the standard up there when they’ve finished mid-table. They’re a class outfit and thoroughly deserved the win,’’ Shea said.

Not even the presence of Football Fern Annalie Longo was able to inspire Tech, who were undone in the second half as they tried to push for goals.

Tech desperately missed fellow New Zealand international Meikayla Moore, who would have helped shore up the backline.

New Zealand under-20 international Tayla Christensen shone for Forrest Hill, producing some finishes of the highest order in her hat-trick.

Forrest Hill took a 1-0 lead into halftime through a 16th minute strike from Sam Tawharu, who beat the offside trap and finished past Tech goalkeeper Hannah Hegarty. The scoreline could have been even bigger, had it not been for Hegarty’s heroics, pulling off several strong saves.

Tech had their chances in the first half and were made to pay for missed opportunities. Forrest Hill effectively sealed the result with two quick goals at the start of the second half.

Malia Steinmetz swung one into the near post beautifully from her own corner to make it 2-0.

Tawharu then teamed up with Emma Rolston, who finished accurately to put them 3-0 ahead.

Forrest Hill upset Northern Premier League women’s winners, Three Kings, who hadn’t lost all season, in the national quarterfinals.

Meanwhile in the final round of the men’s Mainland Premier League, Nelson Suburbs goalkeeper Coey Turipa delivered the storyline of the day. The former Canterbury United stopper scored a dramatic freekick deep into stoppage time as they beat Coastal Spirit 1-0 at Cuthberts Green.

Four-time champions Cashmere Technical toppled FC Twenty11 5-1, while relegated Halswell drew 2-2 with Universities.

Ferrymead Bays warmed up for Saturday’s English Cup final against Coastal by routing Western 7-1.