"We couldn't have asked for more from George and the entire squad," an elated Hastings coach Aaron Bartlett said afterwards.
"We had a plan and the boys stuck to it. Our defence was pretty good too," Bartlett added, referring to the fact his troops became the first side this season to deny Havelock North the four-try bonus point.
Props Jason Long and Laurent Simutoga, along with first five-eighth Luke Makris, who scored 15 points, were others to shine in the impressive performance from the visitors.
"Hastings brought their A game and we have to give them credit for that. We were patchy like when we played against Tech and while we had enough ball, Hastings' defence was strong," said Havelock North manager Blair Heasley.
Despite the loss, his team were still this season's winners of the Nash Cup.
With another two tries against Hastings, Havelock North winger Shannon Chase was the top try scorer in the Nash Cup with 14. Busy No8 Zane Rangi, halfback Isaac Paewai and lock Richard Tichborne all made Heasley's MVP list.
TECH 67 TAMATEA 7
Hurricane Richard Buckman was one of two players to grab hat-tricks for Tech Group of Companies Napier Technical at Whitmore Park.
Buckman played at centre in what was his first match in four weeks. Winger Zane Crook also scored three tries as Tech ran in 11 against an injury-hit Tamatea.
"Tamatea deserves praise for their second half effort after trailing 48-0 at halftime," Tech manager Cyril Whitburn said.
Hooker Josh Te Whata-Colley was the best of the Tech forwards and Magpies training squad member Penikolo Latu was again classy on the wing for the hosts. Tamatea manager Dennis Rosser quipped his troops were still in the changing room during the first half. Lock Peleti Oli, No8 Hamiora Rowlands and utility Henare Harris impressed for the visitors.
PIRATE 18 MAC 13
MAC coach Anthony Morley claimed referee Mark Johnson's decision to award Napier Pirate Rugby and Sports' second try was crucial in this Park Island encounter.
"It appeared to be an obvious forward pass and the incident changed the outcome of the game," Morley said referring to a try by Pirate winger Jarrod McCarthy that put the hosts ahead 15-13.
At the same time Morley agreed basic errors let his side down.
Long-serving Magpies hooker Danny Logan produced a player-of-the-match performance at No8 for the injury-ridden Pirate side. Lock Ash Johnson, who was carrying an ankle injury, also had worked hardin the hosts' pack. Fullback Nick McLennan made the most of his attacking opportunities in the winning backline which was well served by halfback Michael Ruru.
Locks John Te Ngaio and Everard Reid, along with hooker Jesse MacDonald, had memorable patches in MAC's engine room. First five-eighth Setu Kereti was the pick of the MAC backs.
NOBM 25 CENTRAL 6
The score does not really reflect how competitive Central were against Hawke's Bay Insurances Limited Napier Old Boys Marist in the other Park Island match.
"That's the story of our season ... we're creating opportunities but not taking advantage of them," Central assistant coach Mike Kupa said.
"I'm proud of the commitment ... this was a big day for the team as we had Bob's funeral this morning," Kupa said, referring to Central club stalwart Bob Fuller who died last week.
The performances of blindside flanker Matt Brown, lock Lance Baker and fullback Karl Lepelaars reflected the gutsy display of their entire team.
Considering the extent of their injury list NOBM's effort was commendable.
Hooker Levi Rahui was the hosts' player-of-the-match. Lock Matt Thompson and blindside flanker Sean Skeet also battled effectively in the winning pack.
TARADALE 48 CLIVE 10
"We took half the game to get going ... we had to wait for Clive to run out of puff."
These were Taradale manager Paul Atkins' words after his team's club day victory at Carters Arms Park.
Captain and blindside flanker Andrew Gardner and lock Reon Watts were again an inspirational pair in the Taradale pack.
Halfback Jonathan Ruru again enhanced his reputation as a player with enormous potential.
Clive coach Des Allen pointed out that referee Bruce Dockary didn't do his side any favours with calls, including the sin-binning of first five-eighth Vaine Maui.
"But that's not the reason for our loss. We had a poor last 20," Allen explained.
Prop Branden Campbell and experienced No8 Sam Ebbitt were prominent in the Clive pack while second five-eighth Cleveland Kemp had some memorable patches in the visiting backline.