Take two long-time rivals of North Harbour rugby, toss in an international referee, and the fans of victor and vanquished were left enthralled when Takapuna edged North Shore 33-31.
Takapuna were defending an unbeaten record while Shore needed a draw or win to stay in the top five for the championship
playoff.
Equal to the occasion, referee Steve Walsh jun awarded only 13 penalties and let play flow from start to whoa.
Takapuna stacked up a halftime lead of 26-13 but Shore stormed back in the second half to give Takapuna their biggest fright of the season.
Second and third-placed Kumeu and Marist were beaten by Mahurangi and East Coast Bays respectively.
Kumeu, dominating possession, led 7-0 at halftime but conceded two converted tries in the second spell to lose 12-14.
The return of Slade McFarland and Mark Robinson from Super 12 duty was a bonus for the Bays and they built up a handy 17-6 halftime lead before eventually running out 17-12 winners. All of Marist's points came from penalties.
Massey, with All Black Troy Flavell a soothing influence and an inspiration to the youngsters, downed Northcote 28-24.
Silverdale beat Helensville 27-15 and Glenfield scored the biggest win of the day, 57-17 over Navy.
With one round remaining, Takapuna, who have 68 points, Kumeu (54), Marist and Glenfield (46) have all qualified for the playoffs. Silverdale and Shore, on 40 points, are level for the fifth spot with Silverdale, having won their match in pool play, holding the advantage.
