Red cards mar match as Manawatu loss paves way for Northland

Manawatu have fallen agonisingly short of a place in the Mitre 10 Cup Championship semifinals after losing to Hawke’s Bay in a clash which featured a brawl and two red cards.

Those happiest with the result were located in Northland, as the upset ensured the Taniwha retained their top-four spot.

Hawke’s Bay’s Tony Lamborn and Manawatu’s Newton Tudreu were both sent off following a melee in the lead and looked well on the way to the win that would clinch them a semifinal spot.

However, Hawke’s Bay came roaring back, scoring a remarkable 31 points in 18 minutes as Manawatu suffered from their short turnaround, having challenged Taranaki for the Ranfurly Shield on Wednesday.

That lead then extended to 36-17, before Manawatu came charging back themselves, with a 79th minute try closing the gap to five points.

A draw would have been enough for Manawatu to claim a semifinal berth and they looked like accomplishing that when they got within metres of Hawke’s Bay’s tryline after the hooter had sounded.

However, terrible decision-making and a shocking pass ended their attack, giving the Magpies just their second win of the season, leaving Northland in fourth.

Northland play Wellington in the first Championship semifinal on Friday night, before Bay of Plenty host Otago on Saturday afternoon.

(Mason Emerson 2, Gareth Evans, Brad Weber, Richard Buckman, Jonah Lowe tries; Ihaia West 3 cons)

Hawke’s Bay 36 Manawatu 31

(Lewis Marshall, Tim Cadwallader, Jason Emery, Jade Te Rure tries; Rure 3 cons, pen, Emery con). Halftime: 0-17.