DUNEDIN showed why an undefeated Alhambra-Union had been cautious about dubbing itself a favourite.
The Sharks ran in five tries to claim a 30-10 win on Saturday, upsetting the Dunedin premier women’s top seeds in their semifinal at the North Ground.
They will play Big River Country, which beat University 22-10 in the semifinal in Balclutha, in the final this weekend.
Dunedin only won one game in the four-week round robin, although the quality of its line-up was always going to make it dangerous.
Brigid Corson scorched down the right wing to give Dunedin an early 5-0 lead.
Tessa Brown responded with a penalty for the host team midway through the first half, before two tries to close the half gave Dunedin a 15-3 lead.
A penalty try in the second half made it 22-3, before a Sheree Hume penalty four minutes later took the margin out beyond three scores.
Oceana Campbell scored late for Dunedin, before Brown managed a consolation try in the 80th minute.
In Balclutha, Big River Country ensured the result went according to the form book.
The host side dominated possession and territory, taking a 12-3 lead to halftime on the back of two tries to hooker Tegan Hollows.
University had more ball and territory after the break, but Big River Country withstood the pressure to keep the students out.
Shanika McKenzie crossed to make it 17-3 10 minutes into the second half.
University eventually broke through to pull within seven in the 74th minute, via flanker Leah Miles.
However, Big River Country held on and Emma Takapi capped the win with a try in the 81st minute.
JEFF CHESHIRE
