Mitre 10 Cup Round 1 Highlights: North Harbour v Northland

A cracking game to get the Mitre 10 Cup season underway with both sides giving it their all. North Harbour enjoyed the vast majority of possession and territory but the Taniwha's defence stood strong at key times and kept the side in the game. Rene Ranger stormed through the Harbour defence to set up the first try of the season for lock Tom Robinson before Bryn Gatland got Harbour within 1 point with two converted penalties. Dillon Hunt got on the score sheet before the break to give his side the lead for the first time in the game (11-7). Tevita Li scored his first try of the season after a lovely piece of play from Shaun Stevenson as Harbour looked to take control of the game but replacement Northland halfback Jono Kitto had other ideas when he sniped through to bring his side within 1 point despite being a man down. Jack Debreczeni looked to have secured the win for Northland with a late penalty but North Harbour fought back and Bryn Gatland converted a clutch penalty to secure a 21-20 win for his side.