Some are calling it the best game of the 2017 Mitre 10 Cup, and aside from the 31-22 scoreline, there is a lot to be really pleased about in last nights victory over the Northland Taniwha in Whangarei. Rugby is an 80 minute game and it took every one of them to put the game beyond doubt, especially as we were down on the scoreboard with 6 to go.
The composure, focus, belief, and dedication to each other from our boys meant they needed to stand up defensively against a team that put 30 on Waikato less than a week ago, and stand up they did. Both teams traded in 3's for the first half, and all points came from indiscretions forced by a very very physical game.
3 x penalties apiece reflected just how good the defence from both sides was, and aside from a few good breaks each, the tryless first half ended at 9-9, three penalties each to Bryn Gatland and Northlands Daniel Hawkins.
The vocal crowd had plenty to roar about at the 58th minute when we saw the first try of the game, with Northlands Jordan Hyland cutting back infield against the grain from the right wing, and the conversion sailed through to ignite the crowd, make the score 16-9 to the Tani's, and both teams into more 5-pointers.
Another penalty from Gatland at 64 mins made the score 16-12, and at 69 minutes, we turned down a shot at the posts 15 in from the near touch line midway 22 and 10m line to plug the corner. We won the lineout, the forwards rumbled to centre field, and Gatland fed Tevita Li who went in on the left wing corner.
The kick was away making it 17-16 Harbour with 11 to go.
2 more penalties from Northland's Peter Breen gave the hosts the lead 22-17 with 6 minutes to go and with 2 minutes left on the clock, Ben Volavola scythed through the last line of Taniwha defence from 15 out to tie it all up att 22-22. Gatlands conversion made it 24-22, and Matt Vaega broke the Tani's hearts on the final hooter, and denied them a well deserved bonus point with an intercept and 40m scamper to score under the posts and put it beyond doubt. Gatland didnt miss and the conversion made the final score 31-22, maintaining our unbeaten run of 5-0 in 2017.
Next game is at home v Canterbury, Sunday 23rd Sept, 2:35pm.
North Harbour 31 (Li, Volavola, Vaega tries, Gatland 2 cons, 4 pens)
Northland 22 (Hyland try; Breen con, 2 pens, Hawkins 3 pens)
HT: 9-9
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