SCORPIONS 15s SURGE INTO NATIONAL YOUTH TOURNAMENT FINAL

The Southern Zone Scorpions will face Auckland Vulcans in the 15s final of the NZRL National Youth Tournament in Rotorua on Friday.

The Scorpions surged into the decider, which kicks off at 12.30pm at Puketawhero Park, courtesy of a 22-12 victory over Akarana Falcons 15s in a hard-fought semi-final on Thursday.

The Scorpions 15s opened their NYT campaign on Monday with a 30-18 win over Wai-Coa-Bay Colts.

Despite going down to the Vulcans 18-4 on day two, the Scorpions topped Pool B on for-and-against after they thumped Northern Swords 46-4 – with Felix Fa’atili bagging a hat-trick – and the Vulcans were upset by Wai-Coa-Bay 26-18.

The Vulcans edged Counties 8-6 in the other 15s semi to set up a rematch with the Scorpions.

Meanwhile, the Scorpions 17s team’s admirable run at the NYT was halted in the semi-finals by Counties, who romped to a 44-8 win over the South Islanders.

The Scorpions 17s scored wins over Central Vipers (28-20) and Northern Swords (56-10) on the first two days, before going down to the Falcons 24-16. Second-rower Griffin Neame scored five tries for the Scorpions through the pool stage.

The Scorpions 17s get the opportunity to finish the week in Rotorua on a high, however, when they take on the Vulcans in the third-fourth playoff at 11.30am.