Taieri and Southern have made it through to the Dunedin premier grade final, but got there in contrasting styles.
Taieri brushed aside an under-strength Dunedin to win 30-0 at Peter Johnstone Park, while Southern had an epic struggle with Kaikorai at Bishopscourt.
It trailed 30-11 with about 20 minutes remaining and all seemed lost.
But Southern scored three tries to level the score and force extra time.
The sides traded penalties before Southern first five Jack Leslie knocked over a penalty in the dying seconds of the game to clinch the win.
Kaikorai was a man down for most of extra time after coping a red card for a dangerous tackle.
The Eels have set a high benchmark this season and controlled the other semifinal encounter.They battled into a solid breeze in the first half and took an 8-0 lead into the break.
The turning point came midway through the second spell when the home team forced a turnover and went the length of the field to score.
Prop Cam Allan-McNeill bagged a couple of tries and was part of an impressive front row effort.
Flanker Leroy Ferguson owned the breakdown and first five Caleb Leef’s tactical kicking game was quality.
For Dunedin prop Rohan Wingham carried strongly and was the best of the Sharks players.
The scores
Taieri 30-0 Dunedin Fulltime
Kaikorai 33-36 Southern Fulltime (after extra time)
