Match Report: Counties Manukau 19 – North Harbour 7

North Harbour were unable to build from a fast start to their second preseason outing of the year against Counties Manukau, who ran in three consecutive tries to win 19-7 at Onewa Domain this afternoon.

After backing up from their impressive 40-17 win over Waikato on Wednesday, Steve Jackson’s men jumped out of the gates with winger Ritchie Ah Chong scoring in the corner and Daniel Halangahu converting to give Harbour a 7-0 lead after five minutes.

Not long after, the Tana Umaga coached Counties Manukau turned the tide, controlling possession with the wind at their backs. Continued pressure on North Harbour’s line resulted in a try to lock Sikeli Nabou. A missed conversion by Blues first five Baden Kerr left North Harbour with a two point advantage.

The visitors had the majority of opportunities in the remainder of the first half, however solid defence by North Harbour kept the score at 7-5 heading into the break.

Both sides rolled the substitutions at the start of the second half, with Blues players James Parsons (North Harbour) and Frank Halai (Counties Manukau) getting their first taste of provincial action this year.

It was Halai who made an early impact, finishing a slick break by Counties that was converted by Baden Kerr to give them a 12-7 lead.

North Harbour first five eighth Daniel Halangahu tried to give the hosts some much needed territory with some long range kicks, however Counties fought their way down the field and camped themselves inside the Harbour 22 for much of the second half.

Staunch tackling from North Harbour denied the visitors from extending their lead, until some fancy footwork by Toni Pulu saw the Counties wing score under the posts with eight minutes remaining in the match.

Some confusion over whether the game was over by Counties led to North Harbour having their best opportunity of the second forty. Replacement halfback Luke Hamilton tried to burrow his way over from close range, but to no avail as he was held up on the final play.

Next up for North Harbour is the exciting triple header encounter against the All Blacks and Northland at QBE Stadium in Albany on August 8. Kick-off is at 6:05pm.

Counties Manukau 19 (Sikeli Nabou, Frank Halai, Toni Pulu tries; Baden Kerr con, Mike Stanley con) North Harbour 7 (Ritchie Ah Chong try; Daniel Halangahu con). HT: 7-5 NH.

2 August 2014

By NICK BEWLEY