Fast and free-running final expected

By JOHN GASPARICH

The Harbour final between North Shore and Silverdale is likely to be a fast, free-running affair.

"We are not big, we have lost two locks to injury, but we are mobile and like to play a fast game," North Shore coach Stu Mather said.

His Silverdale counterpart, Charlie McAlister, said: "We are trying to play a brand of football that people want to come and watch."

Shore, a proud club dating back to 1873, won their first senior championship in 1899. Silverdale, founded in 1930, have no premier titles, their closest effort a 41-16 drubbing from Takapuna in the 1999 final. But, with 20 junior teams in the 5-to-13-year range, they are confident about their future.

In the round-robin, Silverdale won 35-16 at home against Shore. In the top-six playoff, Shore reversed the result, winning 20-5 at home, and setting the scene for the final on neutral territory at the Albany Stadium.

Plagued by early-season injuries, Shore struggled before North Harbour pair Warren Burton and Craig Newby came back from overseas. Then halfback Ben Meyer returned from the Blues development squad, allowing Justin Hoihipi to move back to No 10.

Silverdale, with only youngster Luke McAlister and South African import Greg Rawlinson in the Harbour squad, appear short in experience, but have talent in No 8 Tim Cowley and openside flanker Blair Foote.

With McAlister back from a shoulder injury and centre Jason Campbell and Cook Island international Lance Fitzpatrick in form, the Shore defence will face some pressure.

North Shore: Luke Doddrell, Mu Mata'afa, Brett Sweeney, Warren Burton, Lingi Taukolo, Justin Pohihipi, Ben Meyer, Rore Brown, Craig Newby, Travis Barker, Hemi Davis, Phil Weedon, John Buchanan, Peter Dawson, Tim Sarah. Res: Brad Miller, Save Lutamalagi, Rob Keepa, Richard Knowles, Brendan Oakley, Damien Sauni, Clinton, Hemepo.

Silverdale: Hoani Moore, Yohei Shinomiya, Jason Campbell, Nick Buckley, Lance Fitzpatrick, Luke McAlister, Andrew Gowling, Tim Cowley, Blair Foote, Chris Moke, Rees Logan, Greg Rawlinson, Karl Haitana, Willie Hafu, Inoke Vatikane. Res: Simon Mckenzie, Andrew Atkinson, Henry Tofilau, Duane Dalton, Jonathon Hargreaves, Dai Katsuno, Glen Donovan.

* Kickoff 3pm at North Harbour Stadium, Albany.