Rugby Talk with John McKittrick
A hat trick of tries in less than 15 minutes to big No.8 Mat Luamanu saw North Harbour get five valuable championship points in their ITM Cup victory over Manawatu on Sunday. Luamanu who was a standout for North Shore this season reverted to his preferred position of No.8 and showed what a powerhouse he is with ball in hand. In form wings, Ken Pisi and Nafi Tuitavake, also dotted down in what was a must win game for Harbour. Michael Harris was again radar like with his kicking until forced from the field with cramp. Big lock Filo Paulo also showed a welcome return to form. Harbour travel to Pukekohe this Sunday to front Counties Manukau who have shown impressive form especially at home. Up for grabs will be the Lion Red Trophy played for on an annual basis between the two Unions with kickoff scheduled for 4.35pm. Harbour need to maintain the momentum of recent weeks to keep alive their hopes of finishing in the Top 7.
The Harbour Development XV are also in Pukekohe this Sunday as a curtainraiser against their Counties Manukau counterparts with kickoff at 2.15pm. Harbour backed up their win over Auckland with a 56-5 thrashing of the Auckland Emerging Players in front of a sizeable crowd at Silverdale on Saturday. A win over Counties will see them right in championship contention.
The Under 20's continued their impressive form with a 29-6 victory over Bay of Plenty in Rotorua. This Saturday they are back at home at Silverdale against Counties Manukau, kick-off at 2.30pm.
The Under 18's drew with Auckland B 27 all, whilst the Under 18 Development XV got home 29-3 over Northland Vikings. This weekend the Under 18's have a bye whilst the Development XV play the Auckland Development XV at Bell Park, Pakuranga at 2.45pm. Hopefully the visit of Nafi Tuitavake at their Tuesday training will add inspiration.
By the time this column goes to print hopefully our Roller Mills will have secured another title. As defending Champions they certainly started the tournament with a vengeance leading their section with wins over Auckland West 8-5 and King Country 87-0.