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May 19, 2013

Lethargic Home Team Exposed

 34 – 17 says it all.

Hawkes Bay built on their self-belief to put away a steady stream of gifted opportunities.  QBE Insurance North Harbour applied themselves with effort and intent, but fell short in execution.

The first half was a slow motion medley of errors for both teams.  The home team were fortunate to be down only 5 – 10 at the turn, with scrambling tries being the order of the day, one apiece.  The first came to Guildford, the right time right place Magpie winger.  The second to Anthony Tuitavake as he charged down a kick from a pressured Hawkes Bay backline.

The half time rev-up bought out two teams with more focus and success in their execution.  The Magpies swooped only four minutes after the resumption with a well worked bust from first five Andrew Horrell, off loading to the stand out 12, Sam Giddens.  The home team snapped straight back with a try to replacement Josh York who touched down on the right hand side after a good build up which drew in the combative Magpie loose forwards.

A period of solid defence and constructed attack followed from North Harbour, holding back the visitors until the 60th minute when a runaway try came from another ruck turnover by Scott Waldrom.

The QBE Insurance North Harbour coaches cleared the benches as they sought the breakthrough win, but to no avail.  The mistakes continued to shut down the hard won opportunities and allowed Hawkes Bay to rumble back across the tryline twice more, with one try by George Pisi in between.

Best on Ground

QBE Insurance North Harbour: Tom Chamberlain; James King; Anthony Tuitavake; Josh York

Hawkes Bay: Thomas Waldrom; Clint Newlands; Hika Elliot; Matt Egan; Andrew Horrell; Sam Giddens

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