North Harbour qualified first for the final following a strong performance in the opening rounds, with Auckland gaining the right to play them after winning their Semi Final. Both teams had shown good form during the round robin and it was set to be a hard fought game.
Auckland had two early attacking opportunities, but North Harbour’s defence held strong and both attacks were denied. The first touchdown was scored seven minutes into the game by Auckland’s #1 assisted by #3 with a good off-load ball.
Harbour was quick to respond through #3; a brilliant love dive between two defenders saw the touchdown awarded and call of ball down before touch made.
Auckland’s #10 set up the next touchdown through a great show of speed passing off to #4 for another Auckland try. With six minutes in the first half Harbour’s #12 was next to cross the line after receiving a brilliant flick back pass from #3.
Half time saw the score was 2-2. Both teams in the first half had good pace and showed some good skills. The second half was teeing up to be a scorcher. Harbour were the first to score a touchdown in the second half with #12 playing call on a referee play on call scoring touchdown following an offside penalty.
Harbour showed some controlled play to set up another touchdown opportunity through a long ball pass to their winger, who couldn’t hold the pass. A clear touchdown went begging. Harbour continued to hold Auckland out from scoring opportunities and had the final say of the game with a touchdown to #12 his second of the day.
Final score 5-2 to North Harbour
Last Modified on 03/03/2010 13:25