HARBOUR UNBEATABLE AT HOME IN 2016

It's a special, special thing when, as a Harbour fan, you can legitimately take pride in our jersey. There have been a few rough years for fans in recent times, but in 2016, we have had our faith and loyalty to our team justified by a group of men who feel as passionate about that jersey as we do. They showed that tonight and it wasn't a win, but we could not be beaten at the Albany fortress this year, as we drew with Tasman 27-27.
 

Tonight at QBE stadium, Harbour were written off before kickoff. Tasman had a massive head of steam up after putting 49 on Auckland a week ago, and very few punters were confident that Harbour had what it took to remain undefeated at home this season. The team looked relaxed and focussed as they warmed up, but when the first whistle went to start the match, it was time to go to work.

First points went to Bryn Gatland at the 8 minute mark after the Makos were pinged for obstruction and he banged it over from 40 out, dead in front, a spot he'd missed from 4 minutes earlier.

Tasman picked up the first try of the game after some good forward continuity, a few holes emerged inside Harbours 22, and David Havili scooted through to score in the right wing. Banks added 2 and it was 7-3 to the visitors after 16.

2 minutes later, Harbour replied in the perfect way with Matt McGahan going over after receiving an inside ball from Tevita Li, having just flown 40m down his left wing, and passed infield to McGahan to score unopposed. Gatland duly converted and the home side were ahead again 10-7 after 18.

2 more penalties from Banks and one from Gatland and it was all tied up 13-13 at oranges.

The second half was tit for tat as both teams struggled to gain ascendancy, but neither were prepared to concede an inch, and at the 50 minute mark, Harbour just seemed to believe. The tackling went up a notch, the pats on the back got harder after gaining turnovers and just as they seemed to peak, Kieron Fonotia was sent to the naughty chair for an infringement picked up by the assistant referee. Matt Vaega took instant advantage and scored down the right wing. Gatland added the extras and the Makos had conceded 7 points before Fonotia even had a change to warm the seat up.

It always warms the heart when front rowers score, and we were in for a treat: Makalio went over for Tasman from the back of a maul at the 64 minute mark, and after Blackadder received the Makos second yellow card for the evening, Adrian Smith replied in exactly the same mauly manner for the hosts to make it 27-20 after 69 .

Harbour showed great continuity and seemed destined to make it 5 wins from 5 at home until an indiscretion on half way enabled the Makos to plug the left wing and score through Shannon Frizzell from the ensuing drive from the lineout. Banks kick made it 27-27 with 4 to go and this marked the start of some of the most helter skelter footy you'll see in an age. The length and breadth of the field kind of play shown by both sides in the dying minutes must have had commentators reaching for the oxygen mask. The 80 minute hooter sounded but neither team cared. It was all about the win, and both sides put on a clinic on determined ball retention, and keeping the ball alive. Harbour hearts sank when the Makos were awarded a penalty on half way and Banks stepped up to have a shot for the win. 

From the sideline, it looked like he hit it well enough, but the roar from the crowd as the ball hit the post and ricocheted back into the field of play was as loud as we've heard from the Harbour faithful in many seasons.

Play continued until the 84th minute when referee Kane McBride, in his final Mitre 10 Cup match as the whistle man, called time with the scores locked at 27-27.

Both teams will rue lost chances, but will both be grateful for 2 competition points being better than nothing as we approach the pointy end of the season.

Next game for QBE North Harbour is away to Northland this Sunday. 4:35pm. A win guarantees finals footy.
COME ON HARBOUR!

SCORERS:
North Harbour 27 (Matt McGahan, Matt Vaega, Adrian Smith tries, Bryn Gatland 2 pen, 3 con)
Tasman 27 (David Haivili, Andrew Makalio, Shanon Frizell tries, Marty Banks 3 con, 2 pen)
HT: 13-13