North Harbour vs Waikato North Harbour Stadium, Albany 7:35pm, Saturday 4 September 2010
27	36
Tries: B Afeaki, A Fatafehi, J Parsons Cons: M Harris (3) Pens: M Harris (2)	Tries: B Leonard, D Sweeney, C Lealiifano, D Waqaniburotu Cons: T Renata (2) Pens: T Renata (4)
Halftime: 20 - 28

The Lost Years

All sporting teams and organisations go through a period of little or no achievement and interludes of coaching and management performances which are a bit below par.

North Harbour is officially in what will now be termed the "Lost Years" - a yet to be determined period but one roughly starting after the loss of the Shield and continuing into 2010 and perhaps more disturbingly - beyond.

We aren't especially terrible all the time but what I took out of Saturday's family night out was a side devoid of excitement, playmakers and one lacking in the completion of basic skills. Even my spouse was horrified at the tackles we dropped off and her usual biggest concern is what one of the Khardashian's is purchasing at an LA boutique.

The lead changed hands at least four times and in the end a reasonably average Waikato had a bit too much for us city folk.

Harris knocked over five from five only to be replaced. Parsons who has been very sound all year and scored a good try was replaced and the rest ran around doing not a lot of anything. McPhee continued his kick and chase option which by now must be wearing a little thin even for those firmly ensconced in the G-field. Mayhew is not a ball carrier and is a bit off the pace, McAlister has effectively ended his career in NZ and all is just not good.

We need to do better but seem to be lurching from one average performance to another.

I don't want to do anymore reports this year, it's heartbreaking stuff.