Match report: NZ Harlequins turn match around

Trailing by 12 points heading into the last quarter, the New Zealand Harlequins scored three tries in 10 minutes to snatch victory over the Counties Manukau Cavaliers at Rugby Park in Huntly yesterday.

After a positive start from the home side, poor handling and basic errors put them on the back foot and the Cavaliers pounced - scoring from a rolling maul to take the lead inside the first 10 minutes.

But the Harlequins continued to dominate territory and possession and eventually breached the Cavaliers defence midway through the first half when Morrinsville Sports wing Semisi Masirewa burst through the line to score. Hamilton Marist first five Wharenui Hawera added the extras.

The rest of the half belonged to the visitors who played smart and organised rugby, while the Harlequins continued to waste possession with simple mistakes.

On the back of a couple of penalties and some poor Harlequins tackling the Cavaliers scored their second try and took a 14-7 lead into the break.

10 minutes in to the second half the Cavaliers were in again - scoring in the corner after some good build up play through their forward pack to take a deserved 19-7 lead.

However, several Harlequins substitutions then seemed to have a positive effect and the home side suddenly looked more dangerous.

With 20 minutes left the Harlequins gave the home fans some hope when a Hawera grubber kick was scooped up by Hautapu centre Marnus Hanley who scored under the posts. Hawera converted again.

Momentum was now with the Harlequins and they surged onto attack again, spreading the ball wide for Melville fullback Declan O'Donnell to finish in the corner and tie the scores.

Shortly after the kick off the Cavaliers coughed up possession and the ball found its way into the hands of Masirewa. The Morrinsville youngster then set off on an 80-metre tip-toeing run down the left wing to score a dramatic try. Fraser Tech first five Sam Christie, on to replace Hawera, added the conversion from the sideline.

This gave the Harlequins the lead for the first time in the match which they held on to for the remaining 10 minutes to complete a memorable comeback win.

New Zealand Harlequins 26 (Semisi Masirewa 2, Marnus Hanley, Declan O'Donnell tries; Wharenui Hawera 2 cons, Sam Christie con) Counties Manukau Cavaliers 19. HT: 7-14.

*Waikato begin their pre-season in early August with matches against Hawke's Bay (August 2 in Tokoroa), Taranaki (August 10, away) and Counties Manukau (August 15, away) before the ITM Cup starts for Waikato on August 26 away to North Harbour.

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