Hautapu fail to dethrone dominant Marist
Hamilton Marist kept their slim play-off hopes alive with a dramatic 26-24 win over Hautapu in Waikato premier club rugby.
Dylan Bower’s touchline conversion for Aaron Fergusson’s late try sealed Marist’s first victory in four weeks, while defeat for Hautapu sees them drop to second in the ladder going into the final round next weekend.
Melville, who beat Morrinsville Sports 45-10, have leapfrogged them to sit top of the competition on 75 points, two ahead of Hautapu on 73.
Marist were sixth prior to kick off and simply had to win if they had any chance of making the top four to qualify for the semifinals, with them trailing fourthplaced Hamilton Old Boys by three points.
And although they managed to achieve that, the three teams above them – University, Old Boys and Otorohanga – all secured victories, meaning they’re now four points shy of fourth spot.
The three-peat winners have to win at Morrinsville this weekend, and hope other results swing hugely in their favour to give them a chance. They remain sixth on 48 points, two behind University in fifth who have 50, while Old Boys in fourth are on 52 and Otorohanga in third have 53.
Melville and Hautapu secured home semi-finals two weeks ago, but the final two spots in the top four are still up for grabs between Otorohanga, Old Boys, University and Marist going into the last round of fixtures.