Harbour 52
Dunedin 3
Dunedin’s Jekyll and Hyde season continues with an utter capitulation to a rampant Harbour side out at Kettle Park.
Harbour racked up five tries in the first spell as the Dunedin backline concluded tackling was not an option. All the tries were a result of glaring missed tackles, and this was exemplified in the third try to Logan Allen, who waltzed through five to wander across and score.
Not surprisingly Harbour dominated territory and possession through its monstrous pack. On the few occasions Dunedin had the ball and field position, they coughed up ball through forward passes and loose carries.
In the second spell they gave up numerous intercept passes, and Harbour was good enough to score from two of these. Harbour has been Dunedin’s nemesis this year, as they have racked over a century in points against the Sharks in their two games.
Up front, locks Sione Misiloi and Joketani Koroi were powerful on the carry, and both ate up big metres with ball in hand and were efficient at lineout time. Naulia Dawai at blindside was menacing every time he touched the ball.
Logan Allen directed traffic well, and Sio Tomkinson was a class act in the midfield, scoring two tries and setting up two others with his great passing skills.
For Dunedin, loosies Morgan Reedy and Daniel Hogan did their best to plug the numerous holes, and midfielder Isaiah Duncanson at least attempted to tackle and made their only breaks out wide.
Harbour had to win this game, as they now unfortunately lose 6 players to the Otago team, and will struggle to beat Kaikorai next week. The win sees them finish third, and they will play Taieri in the semi finals in two weeks time.
Minor injuries to Aidan Spence and George Bower may create a disruption for this week, but are both due to be back for the semi final against Taieri
Read the full ODT article here