Team Attitude Carries the Day
QBE Insurance North Harbour have beaten the reigning champions in a thrilling match at North Harbour Stadium 22 – 19.
The team’s courage and defence allowed Canterbury little room for attack, their one try coming from broken play. Captain Anthony Tuitavake scored the try for the home team from a passage of well constructed phases, linking forwards and backs. The balance of the points coming by way of 5 penalties and a conversion from the excellent boot of Mike Harris.
Harris epitomized the composure of the entire squad in both attack and defence. Dan Carter played well for 65 minutes before being replaced by Steven Brett. Canterbury were unable to penetrate the home team’s aggressive defence which bought the crowd to their feet.
Coach Craig Dowd said before the game “This is our home ground - we will defend it until there is nothing left.” And that’s exactly what they did. A penalty earned in the Canterbury half was kicked and we had the lead, and only 2 minutes to go. The 7250 spectators went wild, but the players settled into their work again – turning back wave after wave of powerful Canterbury forward drives. Two minutes past full time Canterbury knocked on in the ruck and QBE Insurance North Harbour had won.
Player of the day is very difficult to separate from an excellent team performance – it was a whole team performance to be proud of.