It will be Central v South, Maniototo v Lawrence, in the Otago countrywide final in Ranfurly this Saturday.
Maniototo beat Arrowtown 25-13 in one semifinal at the weekend, and Lawrence downed Clutha Valley 23-15 in the other.
The match between the Central rivals, played at Gimmerburn, was tight from the start and, to many Maniototo supporters' surprise, Arrowtown made much of the play in the first 20 minutes.
Arrowtown missed three early penalty opportunities but finally got on board through the boot of winger Kane Dodds.
Maniototo then fought back nearing halftime and equalised through second five-eighth Charlie Hore. Both Dodds and Hore exchanged further penalties to make it 6-6 at halftime.
The second period started with Maniototo having much of the possession and a frustrated Arrowtown finally let in a try, with No 8 Ryan Dowling burrowing over close to the line.
Hore then made a break in midfield and skipped around two defenders to score under the sticks.
Unlike the previous weekend, when the sides met in a one-sided Central Otago final, Arrowtown did not implode and fought back late in the match.
Dodds followed a high kick which bounced into his hands and he showed good pace and agility to reach the line for Arrowtown's only try against Maniototo this season.
That got the home side fired up and Maniototo prop Tim O'Neill crashed over to seal the win.
In Lawrence, the home side led Clutha Valley 12-8 at halftime and held on for a 23-15 win.
The forward packs matched each other, not giving an inch. But Lawrence scored three tries to two, and had Clutha Valley playing catch-up rugby.
For Lawrence, the outstanding contribution came from No 8 Owen Ankers. The Welshman arrived in Lawrence in 2002, and on Saturday played his 101st game for the club.
Lock Aubrey Sheridan was a tower of strength, as was hooker Alex Smith. In the backs, Sam Young directed play well, while centre Hayden Wyber scored two fine tries in the first spell to help Lawrence to set up the win.
Clutha Valley's forwards lifted their game for the semifinal. No 8 Michael Blair had a strong game, while front-rowers Christian Park and Hamish Wilson never gave up.
Josh Botting was in top form at halfback and scored a very good try, while second five-eighth Lachie Moore was another to shine, despite hamstring problems. He scored the first try through an intercept, just making it to the line, and twice in the second spell made breaks. He left the field with five minutes to go, with an injured shoulder.
Fullback Aaron Gouman gave a solid performance, adding a penalty and a conversion to keep Valley in the game.
COUNTRYWIDE RUGBY
- Semifinals
• At Gimmerburn: Maniototo 25 (Ryan Dowling, Charlie Hore, Tim O'Neill tries; Hore 2 con, 2 pen), Arrowtown 13 (Kane Dodds try; Dodds con, 2 pen). Halftime: 6-6.
• At Lawrence: Lawrence 23 (Hayden Wyber 2, Alex Smith tries; Sam Young 2 pen, con), Clutha Valley 15 (Lachie Moore, Josh Botting tries; Aaron Gouman con, pen). Halftime: Lawrence 12-8.
- Additional reporting by Norman Woods.
