North Harbour Amateur Representative Rugby Report – 9 September

The Under 19 side played their first fixture in the Jock Hobbs Memorial National Under 19
Tournament and defeated Wellington on day 1 Sunday 10 September. With a semi-final place on
the line North Harbour needed to start strong, which is exactly what they did. Wellington threw the
sink at Harbour early, attacking our line in an up-front battle, however our forwards defended well
and worked their way out of trouble. Harbour then raced out to a solid lead through tries to Nathan
Vaatausili (2) and Isaac Nonoa with an accurate kicking display from Jack Bergin. However, going into
the break with Harbour up 17-15 the game was anyone’s to win. The second half saw both teams
landing blows and with 5 minutes to go it was tied up at 27 all. North Harbour kept their composure
and showed great courage to take the game 30-27. An outstanding effort by all. The U19 are secure
for a top 4 finish in the tournament and will play Waikato on 2.15pm Wed 13 September.
Harbour B’s went down 15-26 to the Auckland side in a closely fought game at University. Harbour
remains in second place and face mid-table Counties Manukau Black at Bays on Saturday at 2.30pm.
The Under 85Kg grade narrowly lost to Thames Valley Development 16-17 at Paeroa. Harbour
elected to play into the wind in the first half and Thames Valley led 10-3 at the break. With the wind
Harbour poured on the pressure in the second half and they were quickly in front 13-10. The Swamp
Foxes bounced back with a converted try to a Harbour penalty for the final score-line of 17-16 to the
home side. Harbour U85 had their chances but couldn’t capitalise and the Foxes’ strong bench
carried the day. Harbour U85 travel to Taumarunui on the main trunk line, to take on King Country
Development this Saturday 16 September.
The Under 16’s and Under 14’s travel led to Waitemata to take on the Auckland teams in their pools.
U16 White lost 14-17 to Auckland West and the U16 Cardinal team were beaten 15-22 by Auckland
Central. In the U14 grade, the White team lost 5-38 to Auckland West and Cardinal team was edged
0-5 by Auckland Central. The Under 16’s and Under 14’s host the remaining Auckland sides (South
and East) in their pools at East Coast Bays and Northcote this Saturday 16 September. U14 and U16
cross-over finals will be in Auckland 23 September.
The Women and Under 18 Girls teams had the bye. The Harbour Hibiscus women travel to Bay of
Plenty on Rotorua International Stadium at 2pm on Saturday 16 September and the U18 Girls host
Auckland West at Northcote at 1pm.