King Country and Poverty Bay to clash in Lochore Cup final

King Country and Poverty Bay will meet next weekend in the final of the Lochore Cup after winning their respective semi-finals on Saturday.

King Country overcame a spirited challenge from Thames Valley in blustery conditions at Paeroa. Trailing 12-3 at halftime, King Country used the wind in the second half to its advantage and came out on top 17-15.

King Country 17 (Hone Wanden, Charlie Perez 1 try, Glen Strang 2 con, Strang 1 pen)
Thames Valley 15 (David Harrison 5 pen)
HT: 12-3 Thames Valley.

Poverty Bay had an easier time in its match, scoring five tries to beat Buller 36-10. First five-eighths Tim Gardner had a fine match scoring two tries.

Poverty Bay 36 (Tim Gardner 2 tries, M Rauvulo, Ian Logan, Willie Hallgarth 1 try, Scott Leighton 4 con, Leighton 1 pen) Buller 10 Try: Ryan Hughes. Conversion: J Foote. Penalty goal: Foote.
HT: 26-3 Poverty Bay