Harbour overcame a spirited Zingari-Richmond side which ran rampant in the first quarter to hold an 18-12 lead at the mid-way point of the first half, and threaten an upset result in the 65th annual W.J. Scole Memorial match at Watson Park on Saturday.
Zingari-Richmond promised much in the opening exchanges scoring in the opening minute through wing Cole Bradwell. Then against the run of play Piliu Tavake brought Harbour back into the game through a try resulting from a brilliant kick and chase. But this was followed by a brilliant intercept from veteran No8 Chris Bell on halfway saw him fend off tacklers and sprint 50m to notch up his 75th try in what was his 251st premier game for Zingari-Richmond.
Despite the visitors’ 15-7 lead, the tables then turned as the big tight-five from Harbour took control.
Tavake was a beneficiary, scoring a further two tries for a hat-trick, and inside backs Logan Allen and Aleki Morris scored a brace, in the convincing 10-tries-to-three victory.
It was Harbour’s 11th consecutive victory in retaining the prized log of wood contested annually between the two clubs since 1955.
Featuring for Harbour were open side flanker James Tomkinson, props Joji Ravula and Saula Mau, hooker Abraham Pole and inside backs Ryan Nicholas and Aleki Morris.
Zingari-Richmond was well served by prop Jesse Muir, lock Matt McCormick and halfback Shaun Driver. Out wide Vehekite Moata’ane loomed as a danger.