Northland fly past Harbour courtesy of the Wright brothers

After two wins on the trot against Canterbury and Hawke’s Bay, Harbour couldn’t keep their winning ways going as they ran into an in-form Northland outfit in Whangarei.

Steve Jackson’s men made a positive start showing their attacking intent by turning down two shots at goal to try and score from an attacking lineout. The gamble paid out in the 8^th minute when prop Greg Pleasants-Tate powered his way over the try line from close range.

McGahan converted to give Harbour and early 7-0 lead.

Northland stormed back through a try to their hooker Ross Wright one off the ruck in the 16^th minute to lock the scores back at 7-7. It was his brother Matt Wright who got in on the action moments later, running through the Harbour defence to give them their first lead of the night.

The boot of Northland first five Dan Hawkins proved to be vital throughout the night. In a somewhat bizarre kicking style, the number 10 easily added two more penalties before half time.

McGahan responded with a penalty of his own, but Harbour were in need of a try as a small margin began to grow. Up stepped Tevita Li.

Donning the headgear, the barnstorming winger collected a pass from Robbie Robinson inside his half before gliding through Northland’s defence. Li didn’t panic as support came running in the form of Matt McGahan. A flick off load put the first five away for a five pointer right on the half time hooter.

A frantic start to the second half ended in a try to Northland after 90 seconds of action. Jone Macilai split Harbour’s defence to get Northland on the front foot before some individual brilliance by Matt Wright saw the fullback score his second of the night.

Harbour were quick to respond, using the width of the field to put Robbie Robinson in the left corner in the 45^th minute to reduce the gap to 27-20.

Steve Jackson rung the changes with Luke Hamilton coming on at halfback, while Leigh Thompson, Zak Judge and Alex Woonton were all looking for work in the forward pack. A string of penalties in and around the ruck proved costly for Harbour, as the ace boot of Dan Hawkins pushed the score out to 39-20 with 11 minutes remaining.

Harbour began to chance their arm, with a win looking unlikely a fourth try bonus point could be crucial as they aim to make the fourth spot in the ITM Cup Championship.

It was Northland who nabbed their bonus point try first however with wing Jone Macilai pouncing on a loose ball down the left edge. Harbour showed plenty of spirit to fight their way down the field with the game beyond reach.

A nicely timed off load by Robbie Robinson put Leigh Thompson in for the much needed bonus point try, meaning Harbour could head back down state highway one with something for their efforts.

Two tries conceded in the final four minutes blew the score out to 58-27.

Losses to Southland and Otago during the weekend have kept Harbour’s pursuit of that fourth spot in the Championship well and truly alive. Harbour are equal points with Southland on 17 points, but due to Southland’s win over us earlier this year at QBE Stadium they sit above us on the ladder.

Northland 58 (Ross Wright, Matt Wright 3, Jone Macilai, Kara Pryor tries; Dan Hawkins 5 con, 6 pen). Harbour 27 (Greg Pleasants-Tate, Tevita Li, Robbie Robinson, Leigh Thompson tries; Matt McGahan con, pen, Dan Halangahu con). HT – 20-15.

Photo: Jason Milich Photography