Ponsonby 26 Sale Sharks 35

First blood went to the New Zealanders in the second semi-final with Sam Hala breaking clear bursting clear to score. Sale soon responded, and after Magnus Lund was denied, Anthony Elliot went over in the opposite corner. Warren Spragg converted to give the English side the lead.

The tie turned significantly in Sale’s favour towards the end of the opening half with Chris Mayor intercepting a terrible pass from Ponsonby to touchdown between the posts, and then Richard Wilks added his name to the score sheet to stretch the lead.

Ponsonby’s Tony Kounwaiyu gave his side an outside chance with a try early in the second half, but Sale hit back with a score from Vaughan Going.

The New Zealanders continued to fight and Kounwaiyu was rewarded with a second try, but again Sale hit back and Elliot snatched his second of the tie to seal the English side’s place in the final despite a late score from Hala.

Sale Sharks touch down for the try	Sale Sharks grounded by Ponsoby
Great take by Ponsonby	Ponsonby & Sale Sharks scrum down
Sharks tight hold over Ponsonby	Sale Sharks in line for try

Date: 12/04/2003