Three from three at QBE Stadium

QBE Harbour retained its perfect record at home this year after repelling the challenge of the Southland Stags. Harbour who played with the majority of territory and continued its uncompromising defense looked every bit worth its 35-14 win this afternoon.

The game today, played in wet conditions with occasional downpours was always going to feature the boot, with territory being a key to getting the result. Harbour's kicking game was solid, although Jackson will likely ask more from the kick chase in coming weeks, as Southland were able to escape a few too many times for his liking.The first half saw both sides trade penalties in the first 15 minutes which also featured the departure of Brandon Nansen to a calf strain, replaced by Glen Preston. The boot continued to dominate deep into the half, although Harbour did have one try disallowed after the ref ruled a truck-and trailer on a forward drive. At 9-6 and with 7 minutes til the end of the half, Harbour got on a roll again with plenty of short passes into contact, after a number of phases, Tevita Li - playing in close to the ruck, latched onto a short pass to go under the posts and help Harbour ease away to 16-6. Southland weren't done, and following another penalty, went very close on the hooter - with the referee ruling the ball was held up over the line.

The second half started in heavy rain and territory was again the key, with both sides using the boot. In the 52min Matt Duffie made a long break, with the ensuing ruck seeing the ball knocked on by Bryn Hall who had just replaced Chris Smylie at half back. 1 min later though Gerard Cowlet-Tuioti who had another strong game, crossed untouched to kick Harbour away on the score board. The game continued to be dominated by kicks for territory and strong defence until the 71min when big Southland prop Peni Ravi burst onto a sort ball to cross the chalk. The kick was missed and the score sat at 23-14. Chris Vui capped another strong game to cross untouched in the 71st, and Tevita Li secured the bonus point with a try in the last play of the game to cap a good day for Harbour 35-14.

The win pushed Harbour into the Top 4, with next weeks game against Bay of Plenty who lie behind them on the table being of real importance if Harbour wish to be a real contender this year. On current form, you already believe they are.