Harbour 27 – Green Island 20
In a torrid encounter, Green Island appeared on track for the upset of the season when it scored two tries to jump out to a 12-3 lead within the first 15 minutes.
Not until a rather fortuitous intercept 10min later, by Harbour midfield back Sio Tomkinson, did the score line start to close.With no love lost in the forward exchanges, Green Island continued to have the higher numbers on the scoreboard. It extended its lead by three, with a long-range penalty goal to Shane McNoe, and headed into the break 15-10 ahead.
With Ben Whale once again leading by example, the Harbour pack started to gain some ascendancy. But it was given little quarter with a man-of-the-match performance from Green Island hooker Peter Mirrielees, who led his side with passion and commitment against his old club.
With both sides losing their first five-eighths in the first half to injury, it was the turn of the locks to experience the comforts of the sideline, as they each sat out 10min of the second half for ill-discipline.
Nevertheless it was a game Green Island could have gone a lot closer to winning had it opted to take the points on offer when awarded handy kickable penalties. But, based on Saturday’s performance, it will be a side not to be taken lightly as the competition progresses.
Southern is back on top of the standings thanks to a comfortable 39-20 win against Taieri.
Dunedin slipped back one place following its 24-24 draw with Kaikorai.
Harbour edged Green Island 27-20 and remains in third, while Alhambra-Union is just outside of the top four following its 38-28 win against University.