Harbour on rocks after double loss

By CHRIS RATTUE

WAIKATO 21 NORTH HARBOUR 17

The reputation of the NPC as the world's finest domestic rugby competition took a severe pounding at Albany last night.

Waikato emerged as the winners over North Harbour to secure a semifinals place.

But a mainly dreadful match was marred by an appalling decision by the officials to sin bin North Harbour's form lock Troy Flavell in the 56th minute.

Waikato's victory spared the competition the prospect of High Court action, as North Harbour were readying to mount a legal challenge after having four competition points stripped from them yesterday over the Chad Alcock eligibility row.

That could have plummeted the competition into chaos but while a challenge will now be pointless, with Harbour's season over, the NPC hardly emerged in shining colours.

Referee Kevin Rowe sent Flavell to the sin bin on a touch judge's report, with Flavell alleged to have thrown punches that didn't exist.

North Harbour were leading 17-14 and clung to the lead until just before Flavell's return, when a flat Derek Maisey pass sent wing Filimoni Bolavucu in for the winning try.

While North Harbour may have been the architects of their own demise for not dotting the Is and crossing the Ts on Alcock's transfer, the men controlling matches of such importance should be just as vigilant in doing their job properly.

Harbour had scored tries to Alcock and Anthony Tuitavake off the only two moments worthy of the division to threaten an upset but Waikato scrambled home.

Harbour's campaign had already struck disaster before kickoff when Wellington won their appeal, overturning an earlier ruling on Alcock.

An appeal committee overturned the decision to only fine North Harbour $7500 for playing the South African halfback in two matches before his international clearance had arrived.

That dropped North Harbour out of the pack of eight teams chasing semifinals places, the news being made public about seven hours before kickoff.

Wellington had appealed the decision by New Zealand Rugby Union appointed lawyer Nick Davidson.

While the fine was wiped and Harbour deducted four points instead, competition points were not awarded to Wellington who had lost the round four match 15-3.

NZRFU assistant chief executive Steve Tew understood that the committee, which met on Wednesday, ruled the loss of four competitions points was an appropriate penalty, and did not relate directly to the fact that Harbour had gained four points in beating Wellington.

North Harbour also gained one point in defeat against Southland, when Alcock played, but the southern union accepted Davidson's ruling.

The appeal committee of Auckland lawyer Chris Morris, long time administrator Ron Don, and former All Blacks coach and administrator Peter Burke will make recommendations to the NZRFU about its eligibility rules which do not include any specific penalties.

The committee unanimously ruled that since the breach had been careless rather than intentional, points would not be re-allocated to Wellington.

North Harbour chief executive Doug Rollerson's only comment was one of "disappointment".

However, Wellington chief executive Malcolm Holmes said his union would abide by the decision, and considered the matter at an end.

"We're satisfied with the process," he said.

"We were obliged to take the matter further on behalf of our stake holders.

"It was always a matter of principal.

"The stakes are high in the NPC, particularly the first division. It is the best provincial championship in the world and we need to protect its credibility.

"It's a fundamental basis of all competitions that you are bound by the rules. It's very black and white."

Waikato are in danger of missing out on a home semifinal after failing to gain a bonus point - they can be overtaken by Canterbury - and will sweat on the fitness of Loki Crichton, who suffered a hamstring injury.

Waikato 21 (S. Anesi, F. Bolavucu tries; D. Maisey con; L. Crichton 3 pen)

North Harbour 17 (C. Alcock, A. Tuitavake tries; N. Evans 2 con, pen)

Halftime: Harbour 10-9