After an exciting term two and an exhilarating start to term three, the semi-finals of the Connetics Secondary School Premier (SSP) are finally upon us. They’re taking place tonight and will no doubt see spectators on the edge of their seats.

The first girls’ semi-final is an intriguing matchup between Rangi Ruru Girls' School and St. Andrew's College. STAC are somewhat of the surprise package in 2017, finishing the round robin in a very respectable third position. Their strong spine of Pippa McKinnel, Bella Ambrosius and Aleisha Davis have been crucial to their success this season, and all three will need to be at the top of their game in the early match at Marist Park tonight. Their opponents, Rangi Ruru, were on track for a top of the table finish before their last round slip up to Villa Maria. They will look to their captain Annabelle Wilson for inspiration, while goalkeeper Aimee Hayward will be out to deliver a clean sheet which has been hard to come by in recent weeks. The 2015 Federation Cup champions haven't played in a local final for a number of years, and will be hoping their decision to swap the half turf at school for a full turf in Rangiora for this week’s training pays dividends.

The second semi-final will be an electric match with two-time defending champions Villa Maria College taking on this year's form side St. Margaret's College. Villa Maria, also the reigning national secondary school champions, have found the going slightly tougher in 2017 but have managed to find themselves in the final four after a tense shootout victory over Burnside in last week’s quarter-final. Having beaten St. Margaret's in the previous two finals, the side will be out to make it a third finals victory in as many years. Standing in their way is the formidable St. Margaret's side who have only dropped one match all season and are the current holders of the Pat Barwick Shield. Recently named Canterbury Cat Emily Wium will be a danger in attack, and with her partner in crime Charlotte Lee back on the turf after a length concussion layoff, the girls in red and white will be out for revenge against the school that ended their formidable record at this level in 2015.

The first boys’ semi-final could well be the match of the night with St. Andrew's College going up against Christchurch Boys High School. In their round robin fixture STAC played their get out of jail card with two late goals to get the win, silencing the usually vocal Boys High supporters. With no less than 13 players from the successful Canterbury U18 teams, on paper this is a result that should clearly go the way of St. Andrew's. But the SSP isn't played on paper and the STAC boys have been told in no un-certain way that they must do everything they can to make next week’s showpiece to prevent assistant coach Ari Barrow obtaining an unwanted bruised ego. Boys High will rely heavily on the services of Simon Yorston through the middle of the field, complemented well by Lachlan Graham in the goal and Moss Jackson up front.

The final semi-final of the night will see competition new boys Timaru Boys' High School go up against defending champions Christ's College. Timaru have performed admirably in their first year in the grade and qualified for the semi-finals after a victory over St. Bede's in the quarter-finals. Their key player and inspirational leader Jono Ellis is one to look out for and has been in impressive form on and off the field in recent weeks. Christ's College are the only unbeaten side at this stage of the SSP, and will be looking to earn their place in next week’s final. Boy band extraordinaire Henry Phelps has an eye for goal and will be dangerous if given space while captain Llewellyn Heale will be quick across the park after his recent trip to Benny's Barber Shop.

All matches require a result so if tied at the end of normal time then a penalty shootout will occur.

DRAW

5pm: Rangi Ruru Girls School vs St. Andrew's College (Marist Park)
6.20pm: St. Margaret's College vs Villa Maria College (Nunweek Park)
6.10pm: St. Andrew's College vs Christchurch Boys' High School (Marist Park)
7.20pm: Christ's College vs Timaru Boys High School (Marist Park)