Manawatu tames North Harbour by a comfortable total of 32-21: Rugby News
Manawatu has defeated the North Harbour side by an impressive total of 32-21 to book the top ladder seat in the current ITM Cup on August 2, in Palmerston North. Manawatu scored four tries to brush aside the Harbour side and clinched an important victory
in the domestic tournament of New Zealand. Aaron Cruden scored 14 individual points and played a vital role in his team’s victory. The North Harbour squad started off the game well but lost momentum in the second-half and handed over an easy victory to their
rivals.
The Manawatu team, who were trailing at the end of first-half of the match displayed an extraordinary show during the second-half and scored enough points to win it in the end.
Tomasi Cama and Aaron Cruden had a wonderful day in the field for Manwatu as they showed an excellent display of team work in the game. They worked the ball nicely and produced some swift passes, well directed kicks and even better executed tries especially
during the second part of the game.
Chris Smylie tried to put his side, Harbour, in an early lead and deceived number of defenders from Manawatu but was tackled near the try line. The North Harbour side remained successful in getting on the score board as Willie Walker kicked a three pointer
for his team during the 13th minute of the match.
Aaron Cruden paid Harbour back in the same fashion in the 23rd minute of the match and levelled the score to 3-3. Cruden was penalised on a scrum but Manawatu was lucky enough to survive as Walker failed to make the most of the opportunity. Nehe
Milne-Skudder elevated Manawatu with a much needed try before the interval and put his side ahead of Harbour. The game took an interesting turn before the interval break and Harbour scored a few quick points in the last minutes of the first-half. Harbour led
the match by 18-14 at break.
The second half belonged to Manawatu as they remained successful in tearing apart the defence of North Harbour and clinched an important 32-21 victory at the final whistle.
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