Brave Harbour tie up as ship- shape red and blacks sail away
This Christchurch crossover clash in the Mitre 10 Cup last night at AMI Stadium was the perfect antidote to a wrenching 40 hours for rugby.
North Harbour gave their all in their second Ranfurly Shield clash of the season ( the first was against Waikato) but ultimately had to bow to the best team in the Cup and favourites to retain their Premiership crown.
The challenge was worthy, especially through the opening 50 minutes, but Canterbury called on all their clinical efficiency and class to prevail in the final quarter when Harbour’s structure, decision- making and tackling fell away.
Canterbury retained the Kevin Gimblett Memorial Trophy and can tuck the Ranfurly Shield away for the summer. They have also sealed home advantage for the Premiership final, should they get that far.
Canterbury had willing pack workers in hooker Ben Funnell, lock Scott Barrett, No 8 Luke Whitelock and No 7 Jed Brown, while Harbour looked to No 8 Murphy Taramai and lock and skipper Chris Vui. Despite missing their t wo premier frontrowers, Nic Mayhew and James Parsons, the Harbour scrum stayed strong.
Harbour dropped the ball just once in the first half, meaning they were able to build pressure and score two nice tries. They even led, briefly, after 42 minutes.
But Canterbury looked potent on attack, even against the competition’s most parsimonious defence, and wing George Bridge’s try was down to t wo sweet offloads by midfielders Jordie Barrett and Jack Goodhue. Tom Sanders scored off a break by Richie Mo’unga, who later dotted down.
Before the match, past Canterbury Shield and provincial legends were paraded. Fergie McCormick, who bled red and black over 18 seasons and 222 games, was centre stage. McCormick would have approved of the win last night and the manner it was achieved.
Canterbury’s final game of the regular season will be next Saturday in Pukekohe against the Steelers. Harbour have two games in four days, starting with Tasman in Albany on Wednesday night. Canterbury 47 ( Tom Sanders, George Bridge, Jack Goodhue, Richie Mo’unga, Nathan Vella, Jack Stratton tries; Jordie Barrett 3 cons, 3 pens, Mo’unga con). North Harbour 18 ( Matt Vaega, Sione Mafileo tries; Bryn Gatland con, 2 pens). HT: 15- 15.