Rugby: Cribb inspires crucial Harbour success

INVERCARGILL - A man-of-the-match performance by No 8 Ron Cribb helped North Harbour score a vital victory over Southland in their NPC first-division rugby clash in Invercargill.

Cribb was influential in Harbour's 17-11 win in slippery conditions on Saturday, a result that could go a long way towards their playoff aspirations in the competition.

Cribb was a livewire, his constructive work from the back of the North Harbour scrum providing momentum. He was also quick around the field and a decisive breaker with ball in hand.

His runs committed several defenders at a time during powerful bursts over the advantage line from where North Harbour set up their attacks.

Cribb also linked well with equally lively halfback Mark Robinson, another star of the victory.

North Harbour coach Wayne Shelford was "quite pleased" to win and gain four competition points, although he admitted the game scaled no great heights.

"It wasn't a great game because both sides made too many mistakes," said the former All Black No 8 and captain.

"However, saying that, the ball seemed pretty slippery and that might not have helped."

Shelford said the commitment of both teams could not be faulted in trying conditions.

"In the end, the game came down to kicking, with Frano's [Botica] four penalty goals to Southland's two the only real difference, with one try apiece."

Shelford said he had worked hard all week on his scrum.

He also said Cribb and Southland's Paul Miller looked "outstanding New Zealand prospects for the future" in their position.

"Possibly we had a slight edge in the loose today and we stole some ball off Southland. There again, they pinched a bit off us, too."

Southland made too many basic errors and conceded vital turnovers, with lapses in concentration and technique.

They were also guilty of some poor ball retention and lacked support for the ball carrier.

North Harbour had a tigerish defence, and took their chances better. The visitors were also more constructive, whereas Southland seemed too predictable and appeared bereft of attacking options.

Blindside flanker Brendan Pascoe toiled for Southland and was a valuable source of possession near the back of the lineout.

Prop Simon Kerr was also worth his weight in gold and hooker Davin Heaps was purposeful in tight charges.

By his usual high standards, big Southland No 8 Miller was relatively subdued and outplayed for the first time in the competition by Cribb.

However, Miller did score a try the first time he touched the ball and was often falling back on defence. - NZPA