North Harbour Representative Rugby Round-Up for 25 August

The Men’s B/2^nd XV travelled to Hamilton Old Boys RFC to defeat Waikato 23-15 after a half-time deficit of 3-15. Waikato came out and with a hiss and roar to take control of the first 40min with two quick tries. After a half-time message and a few tactical subs, and Harbour boys started to dominate right across the park. Englishman Charlie Piper scored, Jack Bergin kicked a 3 pointer, followed by a try to Tito Sufia. Big ball runner John Tuuagafasi managed to carry the Waikato forward pack across the try line. Ben Searle added a conversion for the final score in a good come from behind victory for Harbour B. Player of the Day – Ethan Roots.

The Under 19’s took the big bus trip to the Far North to Eastern RFC at Taipa in Doubtless Bay and put away Northland 36-7 in their second seeding game for the Blues region. The drive north didn’t impact on North Harbour’s first half performance building a solid 24-0 lead. Playing into the wind first up, Harbour let the ball do the work and some slick handling saw Mosese Pepa and Josh Tanner cross the line to get out to an early lead. Harbour did not have it all their own way, with Northland using the wind well and playing a large percentage of the game in Harbours red zone. In the end North Harbour took the points convincingly, six try’s to one.

The Under 85 Kg team hosted Waikato at Harvey Wright fields but couldn’t get the start to the season they wanted, going down in a close loss 15-17.  North Harbour dominated the key match statistics but turnovers cost them.  Waikato took their chances and befitted from some rustiness in the Harbour camp.  POD was Josh Meyer for his powerful carries and tackles.  Tries went to Alex Samuels and Isaac Leaumoana with Cameron Dalzell kicking a conversion and a penalty.

Its Super Saturday in September with the Under 14 and Under 16 teams starting their campaigns on Saturday 1 September – the Cardinal teams travel to Kerikeri RFC in the Bay of Islands to face the Northland North teams and the White teams head to Kamo RFC in Whangarei to take on the Northland South teams.  The Under 19’s are hosted by Auckland A at Bell Park, Pakuranga United RFC for their final seeding game for the Jock Hobbs National Under 19 Tournament to be held in Taupo 9-15 September. The Under 85Kg team take on old rivals Auckland at Colin Maiden Park, University RFC.   The Men’sB/2^nd XV take a break with the Bye.  The Under 18 Girls start on 8 September at Mahurangi RFC to play Northland. 

The Roller Mills squad will have their pre-season camp in Whangarei 1/2 September with a game against Northland in preparation for the 7-13 October tournament at St Peters College, Cambridge in the mighty Waikato.