18 Oct 2014

Manawatu win sem-final

5:40 pm on 18 October 2014

Manawatu have beaten Southland 23-18 in Palmerston North to book a place in next week's Championship final against Hawke's Bay.

Manawatu celebrate their second try

Manawatu celebrate their second try Photo: PHOTOSPORT

The Turbos started strongly with Nehe Milner-Skudder scoring a try in the 14th minute to give the home side a 13-3 half-time lead.

Early in the second half, the Manawatu captain Callum Gibbons found space down the blindside before running in unchallenged from 30 metres out.

Southland quickly responded through a try to Elliot Dixon, before his team-mate Keanu Kahukura scored in the corner in the 77th minute.

But it was too little too late for the Stags after Otere Black kicked three penalty goals for the Turbos to ensure the victory.