North Harbour 42 Bay of Plenty 24
KEY POINTS:
North Harbour, though again a curious mixture, may yet salvage some honour from what has been a dismal season after beating Bay of Plenty at the Harbour Stadium last night.
Despite a faltering second spell, it was one of Harbour's better efforts and the win might be just enough to secure a quarter-final.
But it was far from a flawless display and a cynical viewpoint will be that the Steamers have had an even worse season.
Harbour were guilty of unforced errors, with first five-eighths Jack McPhee not always sure with his hands and, early in the second spell, hooker James Hincho twice butchered tries with the line open.
But in running away to 31-10 halftime lead with their enthusiasm for counter-attacking and punishing turnovers Harbour did at last look like a committed, co-ordinated side.
As well as backs like Anthony Tuitavake and Viliame Waqaseduadua, Harbour received good value from their pack, with Greg Rawlinson, Ryan Wilson and Anthony Boric with their height snaffling a lot of lineout ball.
North Harbour 42 (V. Waqaseduadua 2, V. Maafu, R. Mayhew, G. Rawlinson, J. McPhee tries, McPhee 3 con, 2 pen),
Bay of Plenty 24 (L. MacDonald, A. Tahana, S. Davison tries, M. Williams 2 con). HT: 31-10.
Air NZ Cup
North Harbour 42
Bay of Plenty 24
