North Harbour Maori went north with limited reserves due to players being unavailable. The added pressure put on to our colts team to back up the Senior team either as reserves or play says alot for these young players. In fact with injuries and the requirement to get fresh legs out there proved to be Harbours undoing in the last 10 minutes of the game.

Harbours forward pack led by DAN BROUGHTON, LEIGH THOMPSON and our locks JASON ALEXANDER and JEREMY GILES provided the solid punch up the middle of the field to give our backs the required space to create space which lead to tries to our loosies. JOSHUA SELBY and COURTNEY McCARTHY touching down to keep us in the game. JEREMY WHAIKAWA and DAVID KAPA provided stability and steady guidance to young JACOB BOTICA, after the latter played a full game for the colts. RANIERA TAKARANGI gave quick and accurate service to JACOB, however JACOB succumbed to the injury he received in the colts game so a re-jig of our back line was required. With our reserve colts taking the field, Northland injected their fresh reserves into the game and with 10 minutes to go eventually ran away with the game finally winning 45 – 26.

Both the Harbour teams went north wanting to gain respect from our Northland whanau as they have always had a strong maori program and selection process prior to the start of the Maori rugby competition. The availability of their maori players, some who are ITM cup players ensures they remain competitive throughout the tournament.

Ma te kotahitanga e whai kaha ai taatou.

“In unity, we have strength".

Senior Team - fixture 23rd February

Frank Friconett, Dan Broughton, Jaimie King-Ewe, Jason Alexander, Jeremy Giles, Joshua Selby, Courtney McCarthy, Leight Thompson, raniera Takarangi, Jacob Botica, Hohepa Maclean, Jeremy Whaikawa, David Kapa, Anaru Maru, Heemi Davis, Karl Shepherd, Edward Williams, Luke Wainui, Conor Woodman, Chas Brown, Sean Wainui

Colts Match Report:

Backfooted from the start with depleted numbers, Nth Hbr were in a tight fix to contest at their full potential.  None-the-less, spirits were high and the camaraderie and commitment the team showed was inspiring.  The 1^st half was closely matched and Jacob Botica collected the 1^st 6 points of the game with 2 penalties.  Harbour spent a good portion of the game camped in the Nthld half with Chaz Brown scoring on the side.  However opportune moments of brilliance saw Nthld dot down 3 times, converting twice to take the lead at half time 19-11 

Colts Team - fixture 23rd February

Toi Williams, Will Friconnet, Tre Manly, Kahutia Maxwell, Taurima Maxwell, Ed Williams, Connor Woodman, Luke Wainui, Jacob Botica, Milan Cookson, Josiah Povey, Chaz Brown, Sean Wainui, Anaru Maru, Arapeta Bedggood, Franck Friconnet

Saturday 16th February

Bye week

Fixture:

Sunday 10^th February vs Auckland (H)

Northcote RFC, Harvey Wright Field 1

Result:

Colts - WBD

Senior - 41, Auckland 7

Point Scorers: Leigh Thompson, Blake Hall, Heemi Davis, Raniera Takarangi (2) tries; Jacob Botica 4 pen & 2 convs.

Game Highlights:

The first game for Harbour Maori got under way against Auckland Maori Sunday at 2.pm Northcote RFC. First off tribute was paid to Toni Marriner, Chairman of the Te Hiku o Te Ika Maori Rugby council who passed away recently.

Conditions were warm, but it was going to be a played on a pitch which had been well maintained during the dry month of Jan. Both teams first hit out of the year got underway with the usual physical contacts to test each other out. Harbour were a well drilled side, however final passes just weren't connecting. BLAKE HALL scored Harbours 1st try with decisive running at 2nd 5, the conversion was unsuccessful. BLAKE HALL was unlucky not to score again with the final pass ruled forward. The remaining points in the 1st half were scored by penalties from JACOB BOTICA. Half time score Harbour 14 - Auckland 7. 

The second half got underway with Auckland pressing hard within our half. Harbour just needed to maintain their discipline and composure then play their patterns they trained for. With that in mind, Harbours passes seemed to stick as the Auckland defense  tired.  Harbour started crossing the Auckland line with tries to LEIGH THOMPSON, RANIERA TAKARANGI (2) and HEEMI DAVIS. JACOB BOTICA started finding his target with the boot.  Harbours tactical changes ensured nothing was lost particularly at set play. Outstanding for Harbour was BLAKE HALL whose running lines made it difficult for the opposition along with his defensive work.

LEIGH THOMPSON continues to provide the punch up the middle of the field and along with CLIFF LAMBERT and COURTENAY McCARTHY formed an effective loose forward trio. Final score Harbour Maori 41 - Auckland Maori 7. Today's win ensures we retain the Peter Maihi trophy.

2013 Team Management

Chairman	Bernard Te Paa
Maori head Coach	Daniel Takarangi
Maori Manager	Harry Thompson
Colts Head Coach	Andre Katipa
Colts Assistant Coach	Aaron Kaitpa
Colts Manager	Bernie Reihana