Rugby Talk with John McKittrick
Thursday 7 October
Heartache for the North Harbour ITM Cup team at Pukekohe on Sunday narrowly losing to Counties Manukau 24-23.Michael Harris' last minute conversion rebounded off the upright to enable Counties to maintain their unbeaten record at home. In a game that could have gone either way Harbour were battered and bruised with several players in doubt for this Sunday's clash against Wellington at the Stadium. In another must win game this will definitely be a test of the Union's player depth. Kickoff is scheduled for 2.35pm. On the upside it was great to see Luke McAlister lead the team out on what was his 50th game for Harbour. Unfortunately for Luke another knock to the jaw saw him leave the field after 30 minutes.
Sunday also give the fans a chance to be part of something more than just a rugby game. StarJam will be in attendance in an attempt to break the record for the largest group air guitar at halftime. The record is currently held by Brock University in Canada and stands at 1,436 people. National air-guitar champs have signed on to take part along with NZ Idol winner Ben Lummis.
The Roller Mills team again did the Union proud reaching the Grand Final before losing a close encounter 10-3 against Auckland East. After a week of consistent performances five players were included in the Tournament Team. Congratulations to Joshua Third (Massey), Donald Coleman (North Shore), Lewis Gjaltema (Silverdale), Cale Doyle and Ammon Moller (East Coast Bays).
The Harbour Development finished Top qualifier in their competition after a high scoring victory 46-38 over Counties. They now have a bye this weekend before hosting a home semi next weekend.
The Harbour Under 20's were also victorious over Counties Manukau 40-12 and travel to Whangarei this weekend for a 1.00pm kickoff against Northland.
The Harbour Under 18's come off a bye and host Northland on Saturday at Silverdale at 1.00pm, whilst the Under 18 Development XV wound up their campaign with a 31-0 loss to competition winners Auckland Divisional XV.
In a new initiative Kumeu and Silverdale both hosted a Club of Origin fixture for Under 17 players who have progressed from Junior Rugby ranks. For the record Kumeu won both games but great to see Luke McAlister present at Silverdale on Saturday for the presentations.
Former North Harbour referee turned bad boy Steve Walsh has continued his road to redemption with control of the Wales vs. South Africa test at the Millennium Stadium on November 13th.In a great lesson on life, Steve's taken his medicine and focused on getting back into the top echelon of referee's. You only have to speak to many frontline players to appreciate the fact that he's a player’s referee when he puts his mind to it.