QBE NORTH HARBOUR DEFEAT BOP IN PRESEASON OUTING

An eclectic group of men descended on Blake Park in Mt Maunganui to take on a young Bay of Plenty side in somewhat trying conditions. Having trained together for the last month at the QBE precinct, the guys were itching to get the first hit out of the season under way. Glenn Preston lead the vastly inexperienced Harbour side in his first game as captain. After losing the toss, the day improved for the Marist representative. Early exchanges had our team camped in the BOP 22, however the slippery ball proved elusive in dotting down over the white line. It was not until Northcote lock Danny Drake split the defence down the right flank that Harbour were able to convert their early dominance into points. Drake showed a great turn of speed to make the break then release newcomer Nick Smith, to score under the sticks. Westlake graduate Jack Heighton made no mistake with the conversion in what was a solid all round performance for the 17 year old number 10.

The first half continued to ebb and flow as both sides sorted each other out and blew out some of the Christmas cob webs. Despite some set piece issues, BOP found their way into the Harbour 22 and after sustained pressure and some resilient defence, The Bay scored a well-earned try. The sides would have gone to half time one try a piece if it were not for the energetic Lewis Gjaltema. After earning a penalty just outside his own 22, Lewis tapped quickly and caught the defence asleep in the steady rain. Four quick phases later and the young number 9 was reaping the rewards of his own quick thinking, diving over from close range to take Harbour to a 12-5 lead at the break.

For the second half, new coach Tom Coventry made sweeping changes, with only Gjaltema re-entering the field. Fresh from the Brisbane 10s, Bryn Gatland was chomping at the bit to be back in the driving seat and wasted no time in leaving his mark on the match. Together with Gjaltema and NZ 20s hopeful Dylan Lam, Harbour dominated possession and territory in the second term. Gjaltema crossed over for his second before taking a well-earned rest on the bench. Gatland continued to put the team in the right end of the park and tries to Todd Dolan, Nathan Va’atausili and a double to Dan Lee ensued despite a faltering lineout and numerous handling errors. Harbour fans will be happy to know that Gatland has not forgotten his kicking boots, slotting 5 from 5. Harbour would be happy with their dominance at scrum time and will take plenty from a comfortable win against a much less experienced foe. For the Bay, a counter attack movement that lead to a 70 metre try on full time was good reward for a valiant effort. 

Final score: 47-10.