Mitre 10 Cup: Northland can't tame the Lions

Solomon Alaimalo scored one of Northland's three tries as they fell 29-21 to Wellington in the Mitre 10 Cup. Photo/John Stone

Another gritty performance, another tough loss as Northland fell 29-21 to Wellington in their 19th consecutive defeat.

Despite a huge effort from the men of the north, errors and ill-discipline riddled their performance.

Wellington put on all the early pressure and broke through in just the third minute.

Breaks from wing Wes Goosen and prop Chris Baumann put them right on the Northland line, then after shifting the ball wide number eight Hoani Matenga bundled over.

First five Jackson Garden-Bachop nailed the sideline conversion to give them the early lead.

Wellington then profited off a generous refereeing decision after a crooked lineout throw was let go. A penalty off the ensuing ruck gave Garden-Bachop an easy shot at three points.

Ill-discipline and erratic passing plagued Northland early as Wellington profited from elongated time in Northland's 22.

The pressure led to an easy converted try off the lineout drive for Asafo Aumua.

Northland finally hit back in the 25th minute through some quick thinking by halfback Sam Nock.

Wellington were caught offside off a clearing kick and the electric Nock took advantage of the slow retreat to sprint into a gap. He then found star rookie winger Solomon Alaimalo for the converted try.

Both sides mounted pressure on each other for the rest of the half but neither could capitalise on their opportunities.

Northland had one last shot to score after Alaimalo stopped a rampant Joe Hill inside Northland's 22.

They took the quick throw and wing Jone Macilai stormed into a gap. He handed off to number eight Kara Pryor who put a kick deep into Wellington's 22.

However, Shields save the day when he chased the ball down to secure possession and the 17-7 halftime lead for Wellington.

Northland number eight Kara Pryor had a mixed night at the office. Photo/John Stone

Northland were dealt a huge blow just three minutes into the second half as Pryor was sent to the sin bin for a careless high tackle on second five Shaun Treeby after a massive break from Aumua.

Aumua made them pay with a double strike.

Firstly, he receieved an inside ball for a try two minutes after the card for his second.

Then Wellington shifted the ball out to the right flank after a sustained period on the Northland line. Hill found Aumua all alone on the wing as he strolled over for his hattrick.

By the time Pryor came back his enforced break, Wellington had a 29-7 lead with 25 minutes to play.

Halfback Sam Nock was electric for Northland, having a telling contribution on attack. Photo/John Stone

The introduction of Matt Matich, one of Northland's best performers, from the bench helped them hit back.

A huge scrum from the Taniwha gave Pryor a chance off the base. He threw a great offload for Matich on the inside to cross under the posts for a converted try.

Northland continued to battle valiently and were rewarded in the 70th minute as a series of pick-and-go's led to hardworking lock Shane Neville cantering over. Breen added the extras to bring them within eight.

Wellington managed to hold on though and came out with the 29-21 win.

Breen said although they love the jersey, it doesn't dull the pain.

"One thing I've picked up here is the huge amount of pride in the Northland jersey, but that doesn't help too much when you're making mistakes out there," he said.

"We can put on points like Matt's (Matich) try, but we need to do it more.

Northland will be sweating on the health of Josh Goodhue, who went off with what looked like a serious leg injury midway through the second half.

Northland next have their final home game of the season, taking on current Ranfurly Shield holders Waikato. Wellington head home for a clash with Southland.

Wellington 29 (Asafo Aumua 3, Hoani Matenga tries, Jackson Garden-Bachop 3 cons, pen) Northland 21 (Solomon Alaimalo, Matt Matich, Shane Neville tries, Peter Breen 3 cons)
HT: 17-7