Tries: A Tubbs, M Burkhardt-Macrae
Cons: D Holwell (2)
Pen: D Holwell

Professional rugby and the Blues have been brilliant for Northland Rugby......

Northland paused momentarily in their seasonal cannabis harvest to venture down to the "big city" and indulge in nasty beat-up of their team and NPC 2005 aspirations.

To be fair they probably had fewer aspirations than an ACT electoral campaigner in South Auckland but at least a few fans made the effort.

I find it hard to point the marauding finger of provincial abuse at our Northern brothers. This is mainly because despite the fact that their "hidden economy" is bigger than the national GDP, they have suffered horrendously at the hands of the NZRU "community plan". Never has such a once proud union been dragged through the marijuana bush backwards.

If people thought rugby at club level was strong in the north, then yesterday's performance would suggest otherwise. Northland may have to take some blame, as a union with 50 clubs spread over a large area will always struggle to effectively become a cohesive unit. Though the more romantic among us will further lament (no foreskin required) the chronic demise of areas without a franchise or those in a franchise but aren't allowed to play.

The game itself was a bit of a non-event. Harbour played some fine attacking rugby in places and I suppose what was important were the points and bonus. Northland to their credit were in the game up until about halftime. After a quick beer and ten minutes respite, the supporters and probably the Northland players themselves were back for another 4/5 tries.

Nick Williams impressed the crowd with his robust form and begs the question, how long before the Canterbury chequebook comes a knocking in Northcote. Tuitakvake and Tipoki were reasonably quiet but the rest of the backs had good games. Elrick and Lawrence both showed pieces of brilliance followed by times where hopefully they are reminded that they still have a bit to learn. The forwards did the job required and wee Meyer made some impressive breaks on attack.

The end result sees Harbour move up the table and poised to make a good fist at achieving the semi-finals. (did I really say that).

Next up is Otago and a win away at the House of Former Harbour Players would set us up nicely. If natural justice is to prevail I sincerely hope we smash the f**kers.