North Harbour tastes first victory in ITM Cup - Rugby recap
North Harbour defeated the Tasman side in the opening match of the second round of the current ITM Cup, in Albany, on July 19. The North Harbour side clinched an impressive victory against Tasman at 39-15 and made a good comeback into the event after having
a disappointing start against Otago. Otago had battled past the Harbour side to a 46-29 win in the inaugurating match of the ITM Cup.
North Harbour displayed wonderful rugby in the second-half of the game as they scored four tries in short span of time. Matt Luamanu helped his side with two tries after the interval as they resumed the game at 15-6. The first-half of the match seemed to
bore the crowds as both sides played a rusty game. The sides were being quite careful about the match as they had lost their opening contests in the event.
The Harbour team dominated the Tasman side during the second-half, especially with their impressive skills at scrum. North Harbour scored just one try in the first-half but managed to break the defence of the Tasman side four times after the break.
David Raikuna scored the first try of the match for Harbour in the first-half whereas they enjoyed four more after the break. Mat Luamanu and Ken Pisi elevated their side with one try each and Manu Leiataua crossed the try line on a couple of occasions for
Harbour.
Tasman had missed scoring opportunities in the previous match and repeated the same errors they committed against Northland on July 16. The Tasman players were provided with a number of chances to score in both halves but their sluggish play proved them
no respite.
Tasman scored the first try of the match with the help of Lucky Mulipola in the first-half. They decreased the half-time deficit of 15-6 to 15-13 and later on they were left chasing the Harbour players. Robbie Malneek and Mark Bright contributed one try
each for Tasman, whereas Andrew Goodman kicked a conversion along with a penalty for his team.
North Harbour will face Bay of Plenty in the next round of ITM Cup on July 23.
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