Home team scores seven tries to win playoff match 45-31

The home team defeated the visiting side 45-31 in a semifinal playoff match played on a dry evening. The game produced 12 tries, seven by the home side, and remained close until the final 15 minutes. A centre scored three tries in the first half for the home team, giving the hosts an edge after an early exchange of scores.

The visitors responded twice with tries from close range before the home side added two more scores before halftime.

Second half The home side extended its lead early in the second half when a player crossed for another try three minutes after the restart. The visitors narrowed the margin with a score of their own before a twisting try attempt by the visitors was ruled out for a forward pass in the buildup.

With 15 minutes remaining, the home side's scrum-half scored the team's sixth try. The visitors added one more score before a player touched down for the home side's seventh try to seal the result. The match drew a large and vocal crowd. Both teams recorded multiple clean breaks and the contest remained open until the closing minutes.