One North Shore team was on fire, the other asleep in Bartercard Cup games today.
North Harbour turned a 10-8 halftime deficit into a 48-16 win as the Glenora Bears fell apart on their home ground, despite wind advantage in the second spell.
The Tigers played tough up themiddle and were smart from Carlos Mataora at halfback (two tries) to wing Guy MacPherson (three tries).
When Glenora did get down the visitors' end they could not get over the line, lacking a playmaker and direction.
Bears coach Dean Hunter applauded the Tigers' effort.
"It was their form day."
Hibiscus Coast coach Tony Benson knew what Hunter felt like as his team got hammered 45-14 by the Eastern Tornadoes on Ericsson Stadium No 2.
"We played a team that was on fire," said Benson. "It was their day."
He had been expecting a big effort from North Harbour, whom he rates as the big improvers of the competition, and was not surprised at their result over Glenora after some close losses.
But he was not expecting similar destruction from the Eastern Tornadoes.
"We had an off day but they caused it. They dominated in the forwards, their offloading was smart and the way they put their outside backs away was sweet."
The Raiders had several players on the injury list but the talent in the squad meant that was no excuse.
In the other game of the split round, Central had first use of Saturday's storm wind and led Wellington 18-6 at the break at Palmerston North, but the visitors kept the Falcons scoreless in the second half and ground out a 20-18 win.
