Southland cruises past North Harbour to secure Ranfurly Shield - Rugby News
Southland snatches a hard fought victory from North Harbour in Invercargill on Saturday, August 13, by a slight difference of 25-23. Scott Cowan helped his trailing side with a late try to secure the Ranfurly Shield in the last moments of the match. This
was the fourth victory for Southland in the current ITM Cup. Scott Cowan and James Wilson played a vital role in their teams’ victory as Scott Cowan landed with two well executed tries for Southland and Wilson added 10 points in his teams’ total with his boots.
North harbour had started off the match in a great fashion and took a massive lead over Southland at the end of the first-half. North Harbour had kept the Southlanders on the back foot with their offensive approach but still faced an unfortunate defeat in
the end. Meanwhile, Southland put a real effort to bounce back in the match despite ball possession equation favoured the Harbour side until the end of the match.
On the other hand Ben Botica was superb for North Harbour as he scored 15 individual points for his team. Every time he got an opportunity, he delivered his best as he kicked on two conversions and three penalties in the match. Irwin Finau and James Parsons
scored one try each for North Harbour.
Southland had displayed a rusty defence in the start and provided Harbour easy chances to score. During the second-half they managed to improve things quite nicely.
Southland will play its next match of the tournament on August 18 against Wellington.
The sides entered the field with these players:
Southland: 15 Robbie Robinson, 14 Kade Poki,13 Kendrick Lynn,12 Matt Saunders, 11 Tim Cornforth,10 James Wilson,9 Scott Cowan,8 Elliot Dixon/Tom Chamberlain,7 Tim Boys,6 John Hardie,5 Ben Nally,4 Josh Bekhuis,3 Nick Barrett,2 David Hall,
1 Jamie Mackintosh (c),
Replacements: 16 Jason Rutledge, 17 Chris King, 18 Michael Fatialofa, 19 Chamberlain/Dixon, 20 Sonny Rangitohereri, 21 Marty McKenzie, 22 Glen Horton, 23 Michael Peterson.
North Harbour: 15 Willie Walker, 14 Nafi Tuitavake,13 Rudi Wulf,12 Brendon Watt,11 David Raikuna, 10 Ben Botica, 9 Chris Smylie (c), 8 Mat Luamanu,7 Solomon King,6 Brent Wilson,5 Filo Paulo,4 Irwin Finau,3 Ben Afeaki,2 James Parsons, 1 James
Afoa.
Replacments: 16 Michael Mayhew, 17 Alex Woonton, 18 Michael Farmer, 19 Sam Hayes-Stevenson, 20 Brenton Helleur, 21 Pita Ahki, 22 Ken Pisi, 23 Taione Vea
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