Harbour go back to back with win over Mapgies.
After a scintillating start, Harbour held off a spirited fight back by the Ranfurly Shield holders to win 28-25 in their final home game of the 2014 season.
With momentum and confidence still brimming from the win over Canterbury, Steve Jackson’s men started with a hiss and a roar through a sixth minute try to Luke Devcich.
While the... home side lost their captain Bryn Hall to injury in the build up to the Devcich try, Harbour weren’t disheartened with Matt Vaega finishing a lovely set piece move four minutes later to extend the lead to 12-0.
Back in the number ten jersey Matt McGahan ran the side with precision, while his goal kicking radar was on song as he landed a penalty in the 16th minute.
Hawke’s Bay went close on a couple of occasions but were denied by some last ditch defence by Robbie Robinson.
The fullback ankle tripped Ihaia West close to the line just minutes before a copybook tackle around the boot laces on Robbie Fruean to keep the visitors scoreless.
West finally got Hawke’s Bay on the scoreboard through a penalty, which was cancelled out by another McGahan three pointer right on halftime to give Harbour an 18-3 advantage.
After withstanding some early pressure, Harbour scored a ripper in the 49th minute.
Another accurate lineout laid the platform for the backs where Robinson found a hole in the Magpies defence. Replacement halfback David Bason was on hand for support, who offloaded it to McGahan who sprinted away to score Harbour’s third of the night.
A comfortable conversion by the 21 year old first five eighth had Harbour leading 25-3.
In the space of three minutes however the pendulum swung in favour of the visitors with Hawke’s Bay clawing their way back into the match. A simple move off an attacking scrum saw halfback Ellery Wilson over, which was followed by a 50 metre runaway try to Robbie Fruean. The two tries brought the gap back to 25-15 with a quarter of the game remaining.
Fans at QBE Stadium were on tender hooks as West added another penalty to bring the game within seven points. Matt McGahan responded not long after to put Harbour out to a ten point advantage as full-time edged closer.
Just when it looked like the visitors were going to roll over and concede the match, replacement prop Brendon Edmonds crossed from short range. A Matt Berquist sideline conversion left the score at 28-25 with just minutes remaining.
Doubt began to run through the Harbour faithful whose side led by 22 points just a short time ago.
It got even more nerve-racking when a not straight throw from hooker Ray Niuia gave Hawke’s Bay one final opportunity, but an error a few phases later sealed a gritty three point victory.
It’s the first time since the 2010 season Harbour have recorded back to back wins. Southland’s stunning result over Canterbury leaves Harbour just outside the ITM Championship top four with two games remaining away from home against Northland and Wellington.
QBE Harbour 28 (Luke Devcich, Matt Vaega, Matt McGahan tries; Matt McGahan 2 con, 3 pen) Hawke’s Bay 25 (Ellery Wilson, Robbie Fruean, Brendon Edmonds tries; Ihaia West con, 2 pen, Matt Berquist con). HT – 18-3.
