Rugby: North Harbour

Red cards dismissing key backs proved costly when Helensville went down 19-17 to unbeaten Massey and Northcote were beaten 35-10 by Marist.

Helensville led 10-5 at halftime after their robust pack disrupted the Massey scrum. But Massey hit back with two tries to lead 19-10.

Down to 14 men, Helensville rallied, scoring a try in the closing stages to earn a bonus point and salvage some lost pride.

Northcote had the forward power but, one player short, could not match a disciplined 15-man Marist effort. Four tries to two was a fair result for two middle-order sides in the hunt to make the top six.

Takapuna remained unbeaten, crushing Mahurangi 48-0.

The Mahurangi pack, competitive in patches, paid the price for conceding turnover ball, sacrificing four long-range tries.

Takapuna's fleet-footed backs scored six of the eight tries - proof they are back in championship mode.

Lingi Taukolo, a young Tongan wing promoted through the North Shore grades, made a dream premier debut, scoring two tries as Glenfield were beaten 37-8.

East Coast Bays hit the first ton of the Harbour season, racking up 16 tries in beating Kumeu 105-0. Wing Damien Ransfield picked up five tries.

Silverdale beat Navy by default.

Past the halfway stage of the round-robin, Massey (28 points), Takapuna (26) and Silverdale (25) are handily placed to make the top-six round.