Rugby: Northern neighbours in closely-fought battle

5:00 PM

North Harbour's prospects of making the NPC semi-finals are looking up after they beat Northland 21-15 in a closely-fought tussle at Northland Rugby Stadium this afternoon.

Both sides scored a try apiece early in the first half, before Northland sub second-five Roly Verran landed a penalty to take the home side to an eight points to five lead.

Harbour hit back quickly when a classy intercept from veteran centre Walter Little led to hooker Slade McFarland tumbling over the line shortly before half-time.

Northland grabbed back the lead within minutes of the second half with Tony Monaghan winning a race to the tryline.

But Northland gave away vital penalties which allowed Harbour fullback Silao Leaega to kick his team to a six-point victory.