North Harbour 19 Taranaki 13
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North Harbour cling on to rugby's Ranfurly Shield after escaping with a 19-13 win over Taranaki in Albany tonight.
Taranaki laid seige on the Harbour line for the last 10 minutes at North Harbour Stadium but crucial mistakes let them down as the hosts hung tough for their third successful Shield defence.
Down 6-19 with 15 minutes remaining, a try to flanker Ray Stark handed Taranaki the opening they needed.
Refusing to take several penalty goal shot opportunities, they couldn't crack a Harbour side who defended stoutly over the closing stages.
The match was a notable step up in standard for Harbour, who had enjoyed easy Shield defences against Heartland opponents Thames Valley and Horowhenua-Kapiti earlier this season.
It was defence that carried the day for Harbour - of the aggressive variety in the first half and reeking more of desperation late.
The dramatic finish didn't look likely as the hosts opened up an early 10-0 advantage, helped by their only try of the night, to centre Anthony Tuitavake when he stepped inside opposite Matt Harvey.
Winger Jack McPhee kicked a conversion and penalty, with Taranaki's response being a penalty to Taranaki first five-eighth Kurt Morath.
Harbour were worthy 10-3 leaders at the break, having had a clear edge in possession and scoring chances.
Captain and No 8 Nick Williams was prominent with ball in hand while Anthony Boric and Greg Rawlinson were willing workers and Tuitavake was a constant threat.
Three penalties to replacement back Michael Harris trumped one to Morath as Harbour pulled 13 points clear midway through the second spell.
However, seeking their fifth tenure as Shield holders, Taranaki lifted the intensity and were rewarded when Stark - a late replacement before kickoff for injured loose forward John Willis - pounced on a scrum turnover 5m out from Harbour's line.
Harbour remain unbeaten in the Air NZ Cup after drawing with Northland last weekend while Taranaki have a win and loss after tasting success last week against Tasman.
Harbour's next Shield defence in three weeks against Air NZ Cup champions Waikato.
North Harbour 19 (Anthony Tuitavake try; Jack McPhee pen, con, Michael Harris 3 pen) Taranaki 13 (Ray Stark try; Kurt Morath 2 pen, con). Halftime: Harbour 10-3.
- NZPA
