Despite a strong start in their first hit-out as a team, Northland Maori Colts fell to a determined North Harbour side 34-20.
The Colts travelled to Auckland for Saturday's game against North Harbour, who had already notched up two games against Auckland and Bay of Plenty in recent weeks.
Northlandstormed out to a 12-0 lead during the first half with tries from Waipu Stone and Wiremu Te iringa, before North Harbour started to exert some dominance and peg back the visitors.
Hayden Rogers added another try to Northland's tally and Mariu Grace kicked a penalty, but Northland's limited preparation started to show. North Harbour's extra game time was evident with fine-tuned combinations working to get around Northland, resulting in a quick run of tries to blow out the scoreline.
Northland coach Adriaan Ferris said he was proud of the young squad, which included six schoolboys.
"It was something to build on, and North Harbour are a good side who did not want to get another hiding like they did last year," Ferris said.
Left wing Ryson Waipouri put his hand up as a Northland standout, along with Harley Iraia and Paris Openshaw.
Meanwhile, the North Harbour Maori senior side cancelled their fixture against Northland due to a lack of numbers, however the game may be played on Wednesday in Whangarei, ahead of Saturday's clash between Northland and Auckland Maori in Auckland.
