Tevita Li of North Harbour scores a try in the Mitre 10 Cup match against Manawatu. Photo / photosport.nz
North Harbour 29
Manawatu 25
This Mitre 10 Cup Championship clash was as even as the scoreline would suggest.
The upshot was that North Harbour remain fifth after not being able to secure the bonus point as the Turbos threw the kitchen sink at them in the closing seconds. The outpouring of relief was palpable
as Harbour took their second, precious, victory.
North Harbour's first half rugby often matched their patchwork jerseys, but they deserved the 17-12 lead. If they could just hang into the ball in contact if in doubt rather than firing a speculator, that would help their cause immeasurably. But there were willing workers in the pack such as No 8 Murphy Taramai and lock Gerard Cowley-Tuioti and they again tackled accurately after losing James Parsons to injury.
They played the perfect first two minutes, which culminated in fullback Matt Duffie scoring from a Mark Telea thrust. But perfection doesn't last. Two minutes later Turbos second five Ngani Laumape was over, despite the pass from first five Otere Black being forward. However, it was legal due to that absurd ruling that, if the hands show the pass goes back when it leaves the hand, it is kosher. Laumape's second was gifted, an intercept by Black from a Duffie pass. The result was five points 80m down the other end of the park.
