Harbour survive physical Otago challenge

North Harbour climbed to second place in rugby's NPC first division after grinding to a 20-3 win over Otago at North Harbour Stadium tonight.

In slippery conditions, the home side managed to score a try in each half, improving as the match went on after leading 10-3 at halftime.

Otago, who had already dropped from semifinal contention, looked like upsetting the playoff plans of their opponents when they dominated early possession into the wind.

However, they were continually denied by some aggressive North Harbour tackling, along with their own backline mistakes that have dogged them for most of the season.

Turning into the wind, North Harbour improved their ball retention and never looked like losing.

A second penalty to first five-eighth Luke McAlister extended the lead and reserve hooker Roger Dustow burrowed over to score in the final minute.

McAlister opened the scoring with a 20th-minute penalty and left winger Hosea Gear crossed for a try soon afterwards when he was unmarked on the blindside 5m out from the tryline.

First five-eighth Shaun Webb kicked a penalty on the stroke of halftime for Otago's only points.

The most impressive figure in the match was strapping young No 8 Nick Williams who continued his recent good form with a succession of bullocking runs and strong tackles.

By not securing a bonus point, North Harbour remain one point behind first division leaders Wellington with two rounds to play.

- NZPA


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