Final four teams set for premiers' semis
And then there were four.
The curtain came down on the bout-robin stage of the Southland premier club rugby competition on Saturday as the playoff contenders keen-tuned their game a week out from the knockout stage of the competition.
The top four were already decided leading into Saturday's final run of games, with Marist and Pirates-Old Boys both already out of the running in the six-team competition.
Both teams threw everything at finishing the seasoned on a high note but slumped to losses on Saturday.
Marist were first to score in their matchup with Midlands at Winton on Saturday and for the first half looked very much in the argument.
Midlands looked flat in the first 40 minutes after a week's break but after some discussion at halftime at long last started to roll into action and showcase what they can produce.
Led by a strong forward showing, Midlands kicked into fray running in three second-half tries to none to charge out to a 26-5 win, ending Marist's season with a forfeiture and sending themselves into the playoffs with a touch of confidence.




