North Harbour vs Bay of Plenty Baypark Stadium, Mt Manganui 5:35pm, Saturday 23 July 2011
17	38
Tries: M Luamanu, C Rei Cons: B Botica (2) Pen: B Botica	Tries: L Masaga (2), S Cane, B Smith Cons: C Noakes (3) Pens: C Noakes (4)
Halftime: 3 - 20

After watching us take apart a determined Tasman side, it was with heavy heart that our beloved but ultimately flawed Harbour were once again outclassed by a more structured and energetic team, this time Plenty by the Bay.

This season was already been largely forecast by those in the know, win the odd game against the smaller provincial teams but continue to struggle against those who play a well-rehearsed pattern with slightly enhanced resources and passion.

You have to give it to BOP, they quietly go about their business building a good side with little or no real fuss and put out a very tidy performance week in, week out. I think we have a lot to learn by this approach whereby areas of weakness or concern are itemised and rectified by obvious sound governance and positive action.

We were on the back-foot pretty much all of the first-half with Masaga and others moving around quicker than a Pakeha lost in Tonar St. Harbour competed well defensively in patches and the scrum again went well with Afeaki showing real ability but it was not to be sufficient as we went in to the break 25-3 on the not-so-good side.

The beginning of the second-half showed a glimmer of promise with tries to Luamanu and the impressive wee Rei-man, but then normal service resumed. It was here we found ourselves "under the pump" trapped in our own half like fifteen Frenchmen defending the Maginot Line resulting in a similar historical outcome - defeat.

A Ben Smith try in the last minute finished the game and with it, a chance for a precious away win.

While this again was largely forgettable from a "results" perspective, I think more disturbingly it shows that gulf in ability in key positions. I don't mind Benny Boy, but when put up against a true NPC first-five, there really is no comparison. Chris Noakes produced a great display and has real depth in his kicks and decision-making. We often look disorientated and nervous, a bit like Fiver from Watership Down legging it from the evil General Woundwort, then again I might have just seen the film.

Anyhow, Hawkes Bay on Thursday which looks another prickly fixture in a tight stack of prickly fixtures. Onwards and upwards...