By JOHN GASPARICH
Ball retention and control against a galeforce wind were the basics adopted by Glenfield in beating Kumeu 23-19 and Marist in downing North Shore 13-8 in the first round of the North Harbour club rugby playoffs.
With the advantage of the wind angling across the paddock, Kumeu led Glenfield 14-12 at halftime.
Thereafter, the Glenfield backs and forwards took control as the Kumeu backs ran hard-earned ball into the impeccable defence of Walter and Lawrence Little close to the scrum.
With Kumeu having no alternative plan, the Glenfield pack gained confidence and momentum. Ruck and maul ball were ripped away from Kumeu and the base was set for an enthralling win.
At three tries apiece it was close, but with the Little brothers on defence and attack, and the rampant Glenfield pack going forward, the evergreen Alan Linstrom was put in position to land the two penalties to break the deadlock.
The Marist pack set the pace for Shore's departure.
After first use of the gale, Marist were far from safe at 8-5 at the break. But the halftime instruction of ball retention into the wind was carried out in full.
It was not spectacular rugby, but the rewards were great as prop Tony Coughlin scored a try early in the spell and then Shore were locked out by a superb Marist defence.
The Harbour union's formula of a five-team playoff to find a champion in three weeks appears lopsided when this week the sides head and shoulders above all others in section play, Takapuna and Kumeu, meet in one semifinal. Marist and Glenfield, third and fourth in section play, meet in the other semi.
