With the injection of a number of exciting new players into the Harbour system and a positive feeling on the clubs sidelines, this years competition looks set to provide a close contest.
This week, no game was closer that Takapuna’s 1 point win over Northcote. In a true game of two halves, Takapuna win the game 30-29 but it was the injection of Callum Law at halftime that turned the switch for the visiting Northcote team.
Takapuna’s mercurial Jon Elrick, in his 171st game, was again solid at 12 as was Josh Fraser at 6 for the home team, Martin Brink was impressive and physical around the park and Takapuna had the services of Blues player Matt Duffie at fullback and he showed his outstanding aerial skills. Takapunas set piece was strong and starved Northcote of quality ball.
Murphy Taramai was strong for Cote behind a scrum that often got dominated. It was an exciting game with Takapuna looking to coast home to victory at 30-10 then Northcote found another gear and chanced their arm, with the game going down to the wire. Northcote with seconds remaining and hot on attack lost the ball and Takapuna kicked to touch to take the win.
Glenfield came close to snatching victory out at Massey showing their form from last year was no one season wonder. Glenfields coach, Walter Little is optimistic about their chances this season. With Michael Little available to play this week and his Blues center partner Matt Vaega in the Massey side it is fair to say they tested each other out. The Glenfield Pack has also had a boost with Rangi Otere returning from stints with Suburbs and Silverdale and he added size to their forwards. Taine Lam, Samoa sevens rep and the older Brother of talented Dylan, has arrived at the Massey club and bolstered an already formidable pack.
Silverdale 41 Marist 17
Massey 30 Glenfield 24
Takapuna 30 Northcote 29
North Shore 49 Mahurangi 13
East Coast Bays 47 Western Pioneers 15
Photo by John Rau.
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