Joe Ward. A try and a yellow card - a tight forwards perfect game!

If the relentless rumours surrounding the stand-off between coach and players is to be believed, Pollock may have unwittingly unlocked the secret to Harbour's recent success.

The "Holy Grail" of Harbour Rugby or otherwise known as "how to consistently field a successful team", has eluded many a coach before him. Maybe something so simple as a siege mentality, might finally provide the key to a reputable NPC title challenge.

The game against Taranaki was an important step towards the finals. Going into the game knowing a win with a bonus would secure a semi-final berth must have been mouth-watering to say the least. The "lads from the mountain" with a renowned fondness for bovine interference, bread and outstanding hospitality towards European tourists were...crap. I'm not in the habit of complaining when so called proud provincial sides come to Albany and lie down and die, but at least they could have made a game of it.

The 'Naki without the Big Ginga resembled a rudderless vessel, laden with Texas crude, stuck in unfeasibly shallow water with the proverbial alcoholic Greek Skipper at the helm. They were as accurate as a report from the NZ Meteorological Office and about as committed as Donna Awatere-Huata's legal aid lawyer. But enough of this trivial Loosehead Len type journalism.

We started the game well and had the best first-half of the season. Junior Poluleuligaga again displayed his running skills (just need to sort out the passing part) and dotted down early in the half. We finished this initial 40 mins with a well-worked forward try to Ward, though to be fair it was a brilliant rolling maul move by all eight of our mighty heroes.

The next half saw us crush the 'Naki with a 53rd minute try to Tuitavake and and door was firmly shut with the Fijian speedster Waqaseduadua scoring after a great break from Pisi the Younger. Hats off to Lucky Luke who slotted six from seven attempts and ran with fervour when the opportunity arose.

Other notable events were four yellow cards handed out by a petulant Lyndon Bray and the depressing fact that the game was watched by six people.

I will refrain by speculating on the Southland game and what might happen after that.

What I do know is that Taranaki is contracting the same chronic symptoms as Harbour got when we were shunted back to the Blues. When your franchise does not give you a "fair crack of the whip" then your Union is in for a rough ride. Those poor disillusioned souls from New Plymouth should wake up to the evils of the Super 12/14 and realise that if you can't operate on a level playing field then your future is grim to say the least.

We should know...