Auckland win Battle of the Bridge

10.10pm

Auckland won the Battle of the Bridge tonight when they scored four tries to beat North Harbour 32-15 in Albany.

It was Auckland's first NPC win of the season. For Auckland Bryce Williams, Ilisea Tanivula, Tane Tuipolotu and Sione Lauaki scored tries, while Brent Ward added three conversions and two penalties.

All North Harbour's points came from Luke McAlister, who kicked five penalties.

In another NPC match, Otago ran in four tries to beat Southland at Rugby Park in Invercargill today.

Otago's tries were scored by Matt Saunders (2), Seilala Mapusua and Josh Blackie. Willie Walker was successful with three penalties and two conversions.

Southland's points came from tries by Steve Jackson, Paul Miller and Gavin Williams, as well as a penalty and two conversions by Seremaia Bai.

Meanwhile wing Shayne Austin scored a hattrick of tries that saw Taranaki beat Northland 34-12 at Yarrow Stadium in New Plymouth.

Taranaki's other points came from tries by Brent Thompson (2) and Scott Breman. Daryl Lilley converted two of the tries. For Northland Matt Faleuka scored two tries, while James Arlidge kicked a conversion.

- HERALD STAFF, NZPA