Northland gain valuable points in Pukekohe
Sunday, September 30, 2018 Lynn McConnell Getty Images
They moved into third place in the Championship while Counties Manukau are still in the relegation zone, albeit two points better off than lowest-placed Taranaki.
Having played their way back into the contest in the late stages, Counties Manukau thought they had scored a key try when replacement halfback Te Aihe Toma made a searing run from the base of a scrum but in putting the ball down beneath the crossbar he lost control of the ball and the chance was lost.
Having played their way back into the contest in the late stages, Counties Manukau thought they had scored a key try when replacement halfback Te Aihe Toma made a searing run from the base of a scrum but in putting the ball down beneath the crossbar he lost control of the ball and the chance was lost.
With centre Rene Ranger having being involved in the tackle, and then putting his experience to use in getting Northland downfield and out of danger, Northland secured the victory.
Earlier, Ranger unleashed an outstanding run straight up the midfield line which turned four defenders inside out as he reached the goalmouth before giving the ball to supporting runner half Jono Kitto to score after 18 minutes.
Counties Manukau responded promptly when first five-eighths Luteru Laulala slipped a kick into the Northland 22m area. Second five-eighths Orbyn Leger took advantage of a wicked bounce to secure the ball and feed centre Sione Molia in for the try.
Northland's pack took charge around the 30-minute mark and with pick-and-goes they were within touching distance until lock Josh Goodhue got some weigh on and managed to score.
Just after the start of the second half, a set move from a lineout saw blindside wing Jordan Hyland emerge from a midfield cluster to run into a hole and score.
However, Counties Manukau seemed to be prodded by the try and from their own lineout chance the launched a drive which resulted in flanker Fotu Lokotui scoring on the 47-minute mark.
Then, with the pack taking charge a concentrated period on attack was rewarded when the ball emerged with replacement lock Viliame Rarasea throwing an out of the back of the hand ball which was waved on by Leger to his outsides allowing wing Toni Pulu to put his speed to use in scoring out wide and bringing the home team back to 20-21 behind.
Duane Monkley Medal points:
3: Jack Debreczeny
2: Josh Goodhue
1: Jaycob Matiu
Scorers: Counties Manukau 20 ( Sione Molia, Fotu Lokotui tries; Luteru Lauala con, pen) Northland 24 (Jono Kitto, Jost Goodhue, Jordan Hyland, tries; Jack Debreczeny 3 con, pen). HT: 10-14
Earlier, Ranger unleashed an outstanding run straight up the midfield line which turned four defenders inside out as he reached the goalmouth before giving the ball to supporting runner half Jono Kitto to score after 18 minutes.
Counties Manukau responded promptly when first five-eighths Luteru Laulala slipped a kick into the Northland 22m area. Second five-eighths Orbyn Leger took advantage of a wicked bounce to secure the ball and feed centre Sione Molia in for the try.
FT | The Taniwha cling on to take the win over @CountiesRugby. The Steelers are now in danger of slipping into relegation as we get down to the business end of the #Mitre10Cup season. #COUvNOR #Ours pic.twitter.com/VJhdoE8pgg— Mitre 10 Cup (@Mitre10Cup) September 30, 2018
Northland's pack took charge around the 30-minute mark and with pick-and-goes they were within touching distance until lock Josh Goodhue got some weigh on and managed to score.
Just after the start of the second half, a set move from a lineout saw blindside wing Jordan Hyland emerge from a midfield cluster to run into a hole and score.
However, Counties Manukau seemed to be prodded by the try and from their own lineout chance the launched a drive which resulted in flanker Fotu Lokotui scoring on the 47-minute mark.
Then, with the pack taking charge a concentrated period on attack was rewarded when the ball emerged with replacement lock Viliame Rarasea throwing an out of the back of the hand ball which was waved on by Leger to his outsides allowing wing Toni Pulu to put his speed to use in scoring out wide and bringing the home team back to 20-21 behind.
Duane Monkley Medal points:
3: Jack Debreczeny
2: Josh Goodhue
1: Jaycob Matiu
Scorers: Counties Manukau 20 ( Sione Molia, Fotu Lokotui tries; Luteru Lauala con, pen) Northland 24 (Jono Kitto, Jost Goodhue, Jordan Hyland, tries; Jack Debreczeny 3 con, pen). HT: 10-14
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