QBE Harbour brave in Ranfurly Shield defeat.

QBE Harbour had no time to build into the Shield challenge today after a great weeks preparation. From the first set piece of the day. Harbour secured possession and looked to drill the ball into the Waikato half only to have the kick charged down and after a frantic defensive effort ay the base of the post, Waikato dotted down to be 7 points the better within the first minute.

Things went from bad to worse 3 minutes later when a long break out and some great hands say Waikato cross for their second try of the day. Harbour could nit get their hands on the ball and hard running midfielders exposed the Harbour side and they crossed for their third try to take the score to 0-19.

QBE Harbour then came back into the game with some strong running and break themselves – notably from Afa Fa-atau and Michael Little. In the 29min the sustained possession paid off with Michael Little turning a half gap into a yawning hole, to run in from 35m unopposed. Three minutes later more pressure saw a penalty converted by Bryn Gatland who was having a mixed day with the boot in the field and off the tee. Harbour had two more chances to convert penalties before the break but went into the shed 10-19 down.

QBE harbour were quickly into their work in the second half. Under pressure Afa Fa-atu plucked out a Waikato pads and bolted 60m before putting Bryn Hall away to bring the score back to 15-19 after 44 min. 5 minutes later and Matt Vaega busted a whole from 20m out only to knock the ball on when over the line. More pressure from the Harbour boys saw Matt Duffie get denied a couple of minutes later when he stepped into touch trying to beat the outside defenders. Connor Collett was introduced for his debut after 50 min for the hardworking Kane Jacobsen. Stand in captain Chris Vui was immense and our two centres were having another big afternoon – backing up from lasts weeks performance. Coach Steve Jackson went again to the bench bringing on Matt McGahan, Adrian Smith and youngster Dylan Lam in quick succession. Waikato immediately scored from  5 meter line-out taking the score to 15-26 with 12 minutes to play.

Mark Telea and Chris Smylie were introduced with 8 minutes to play. Mistakes from started creeping into the game with a crucial kick for line going over the dead ball lne knocking some momentum. Harbour a championship team once again showed some real promise against in their second game in a row against their more vaunted Premiership opponent. Whilst disappointed, Steve Jackson will not be upset by his sides commitment and on the strength of their last two outings should be in the mix at the end of the season.