NORTH HARBOUR UNDER 85s V COUNTIES

A home game to finish the season and an important game for the team with the top Under 85 side in the Northern Region up for grabs.

The game started well for Counties with their set piece gaining ascendancy early enabling them to put pressure on the Harbour line. A converted try eventually came giving them a 7 – 0 early lead. Harbour bounced back with the forwards beginning to win parity and the backs looking dangerous out wide. A try to Alex Samuals and the subsequent conversion by Cameron Dalzell tying the scores up midway through the half.

Counties bounced back with an unconverted try and were headed to halftime 12 – 7 up. With time almost up a scrum close to the Counties line saw the Harbour pack over power the Counties scrum to force a penalty. Harbour elected to scrum again and a strong scrum saw them work a blindside move for Meyrick walker to force his way over. 12 all at the break.

An early penalty to Counties gave them back the lead but Harbour were winning good ball and gaining ascendancy in the mid-field. From one of their moves Alex Samuals carved through again to score and the conversion saw Harbour in front for the first time in the game 19 – 15.

Counties came straight back at them and a converted try gave them back the lead 22 -19.

Harbour were continually looking dangerous in the backs and creating space and opportunities. Alex was dominating the mid-field and once again carved to score. Jarrod Soar converted to give Harbour back the lead 26 – 22.

Harbour were not done and another wonderful phase of play saw them take play into the Counties 22. Quick ball was won and moved to the outside for Strauss Bessell to score in the corner. 31 – 22 and game over.

A tremendous game in which the team showed so much character and desire. Unbeaten against the Under 85 teams for the first time ever.

Player of the day went to Alex Samuals for his dominant display in the mid-field. Runner up was Meyrick Walker who was an inspiration to the team with his bruising runs and aggressive defense. Third was Jarrod Soar for his wonderful work at halfback and at first 5/8.