Turbos first five-eighth Isaac Thompson spelt the difference when the students knocked out College Old Boys from the Hankins Shield race at Arena Manawatu on Saturday.

With his forwards steaming, Thompson, son of Varsity coach Geoff, knocked over two penalties and a dropped goal in the last quarter to shut out the 2005, 2006 and 2007 champions.

But his low punting to the corners was the critical part of the semifinal, while hooker Bryn Templeman was the outstanding figure in Kia Toa's more predictable, 35-17 win over Old Boys-Marist on FMG Stadium.

Ironically, had COB reached the final, they would've had star five-eighth Aaron Cruden.

Had he played on Saturday, it might have been different. But to Varsity's credit, their big forwards were on a rampage, clamped COB in their half for much of the second spell and tackled desperately.

The man who had the winning of the game was Turbos' threequarter Andre Taylor who often cut through the Varsity line and, as time ticked by, a certain try beckoned, which would have won the semifinal. The pass was slightly high, Taylor grassed it and that was it.

But COB coach John Cruden said it probably wouldn't have been justice because Varsity deserved the win.

"At least we had an opportunity this year," he said. "The better team won on the day."

Again COB dipped out with the best record, just two losses all year. Varsity have lost six and Kia Toa three.

For Geoff Thompson, Varsity's game plan worked a treat.

"The plan was to put the ball in behind and to play percentage rugby. It was who made the most errors."

Varsity over-kicked in the first half after a try from a Steve Barron grubber when COB's Aaron Good and Karl Bryson clashed heads, Good was taken off with concussion. Taylor might have missed two penalty shots, but scored a scorching try and when two Varsity men went for the intercept, Jason Harvey sailed over for COB.

Turbos Talau Hala and Casey Stone came on near halftime, but prop Jeremy McKenzie, with his calf injury, didn't last long for COB.

Dan Waldon, Brent Stephenson, Rob Foreman, Callum Gibbins and Louis Booth starred for Varsity, but they lost wing Max Pearson (broken arm). Also stout-hearted for COB were Bryson and Mike Fitzgerald.

Meanwhile, OB-Marist, with lock Paul Rodgers leading the way, put up stiff resistance for most of their rugged semifinal in which there were penalties galore in the first half.

OBM started well, but Kia Toa came away with 23 points in the second half, including two tries in the last 10 minutes

However, Kias have lost second-five Scott Curry for the final with a shoulder injury and OBM surged through there when he left, Lote Raikabula filling in

But Templeman outpaced the backs in his 35-metre run for a try just before halftime to put Kias ahead after playing into the cold wind.

Troy Smith was solid at fullback for OBM, but he could post only four penalties and Johnny Leota ran Waisea Qoikata in for OBM's sole try. They struggled to get out of their half in the second spell as Kias Ma'ake Tu'ipulotu, Joggie Viljoen and Fraser Stone were in command.

Linton Army and Feilding will meet in the Val Holland Trophy final.

Hankins Shield semifinals At Arena Manawatu:Varsity 22 (Cameron Hayton try; Isaac Thompson con, 4 pen, dg) COB 13 (Jason Harvey, Andre Taylor tries; Taylor pen) HT 10-8. At FMG Stadium: Kia Toa 35 (Bryn Templeman, Ma'ake Tu'ipulotu, Joggie Viljoen, Kurt Baker tries; Paul Tietjens 2 con, 2 pen) OB-Marist 17 (Waisea Qoikata try; Troy Smith 4 pen) HT 13-12.

By PETER LAMPP - The Manawatu Standard