Wests Rugby Football Club book another final verses Kiwi

PICTURE: Bill Phillips, DiGiSPORT - Taylor Robinson of Wests is airborne as he reaches for the ball.

Wests met South Westland in a West Coast club rugby semi-final at Cass Square on Saturday and ran away with the game in the first half with an impressive 43-0 lead.

South Westland put in a valiant effort for the second 40 through stellar defensive work, but it was Wests who conquered on their home soil, winning 55-0.

In the other semi-final played at Ikamatua, Kiwi beat Grey Valley-Reefton 33-21. This now sets up another rematch this Saturday of the 2024 club final with their local Hokitika rivals, Kiwi.

Josh Tomlinson opened the scoring as he crashed his way over next to the posts. Wests had lots of ball on attack and kept recycling it through their backs until Tomlinson finished off the move. Logan Ross added the conversion from in front, 7-0.

Another slick backline move had Taylor Robinson over the line and bringing the ball round closer to the posts; Ross with the extra two points and the red and blacks now 14-0 after 20 minutes.

Tayne Foster had a big game up the middle of the park with several decisive runs. This time he set the ball up after he was tackled and Ross picked up the try wide out, 19-0

South Westland cleared the ball from their line, only to have Wests storming back at them, and first-five Jamie Garland did the rest with his skilful running to score in the tackle close to the posts. Ross slotted his third conversion and Wests now out to 26-0.

Jamie Garland then carved off great territory with a beautiful touch finder. Foster grabbed a huge lineout win and then Tomlinson was in for his second try of the day, converted and 33-0.

Robinson was in for another try as once again, Garland dazzled the opposition with his sidestepping abilities to put Robinson in the clear, 38-0

Garland was in the thick of it again as he weaved his magic after Benny had surged up the middle.

Wests were still full of running with a half-time lead of 43-0, and almost scored once more but for a knock-on close to the line.

Foster was down the short side soon after the second half was under way, He had plenty of support as the movement ended up in a maul, and quick ball out again saw second-five Nathan Smith over wide out. The scoreline now mounted to 48-0.

Garland took a quick tap penalty and then carved up 30m before he kicked back infield for replacement halfback Josh Burgess to run on to and retain the ball, sprinting to score under the posts. Nate Croy with a handy conversion, taking the hosts to 55-0.

South Westland managed to creep their way into Wests' 22 a couple of times, only to lose the ball at the breakdown. They did not stop all game and Josh Coleman proved a handful to stop.

Wests continued to use their backline with good effect, running hard at the opposition line until the final whistle.

Standouts for South Westland were the back three of the scrum -- Maisey, Friend and MacRae, who ran hard out for the full 80 minutes, providing vital ball for their backs. Ethan Lash and Jesse Perrin stood tall in a losing team.

Wests' standouts were Foster, Gibbens and Keenan up front, who showed they have big engines and kept crunching the ball upfield in the tight. Garland shone in the backline all day.

Wests coach Mike Foster said it was a much better performance than last week. He credited South Westland with playing well in the second half.

Wests 55 (J Tomlinson 2, T Robinson 2, J Garland 2, L Ross, J Burgess, N Smith tries; Ross 4 con, N Croy 1 con) South Westland 0.