But instead their defence imploded in the last 10 minutes of the first half and they conceded a contentious penalty try in the second spell. They just lacked urgency at times, both with and without the ball.
Wellington, in stark contrast, had some big hitters on attack (Ardie Savea), some big hitters on defence (Vaea Fifita) and some busy workers in the pack.
Cory Jane, at fullback for the Lions, tried valiantly to involve himself in his 57 minutes, and used his right boot to good effect as part of Wellington's exit strategy. He did have a telling hand in Wellington's first try, which went to second five Shaun Treeby but emanated from a poor clearing kick from No 10 Daniel Halangahu.
Not satisfied with that assist, Jane then gave a sweet pop pass to Joe Hill for the Lions' second five-pointer, and again to flanker Fifita for the third. At 22-0, it looked game over at the break. It was.
Wellington will enjoy taking nine points from two games and already look a decent bet to head back to the Premiership in 2016. However, lock Jeremy Thrush's RWC hopes took a blow when he limped off with what looked a nasty knee injury.
Both sides have a good break to recharge and refocus. North Harbour face Southland on August 30 in Invercargill in their next Championship clash, while Wellington host Northland on August 29 in the Championship.
In the schools curtainraiser, Rosmini First XV upset Westlake BHS 13-12 to clinch their first North Harbour title since 2009.
Many of the spectators promptly left at the end of that match, as predicted, leaving another sparse Albany crowd for the 'main' event.
Wellington 43 (Vaea Fifita 2, Shaun Treeby, Joe Hill, Tomasi Alosio tries, penalty try; Jonny Bentley 5 con, pen) North Harbour 0 Halftime: 22-0