North Harbur have let a 32-17 lead slip away to find themselves on the end of a 41-32 loss to Hawke's Bay to start their 2024 NPC campaign.
Credit has to go to Hawke's Bay who finished the match with three tries in the last 17 minutes of the game to take the win at Albany.
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Hawke's Bay come away with the full complement of points from this clash, while North Harbour lost their losing bonus in the final minute and come away with only the try bonus.
The are back at home next weekend against Southland, and that's a Ranfurly Shield clash as well. North Harbour head to Tauranga to take on the Bay of Plenty Steamers in round two.
As expected Harbour were strong out wide but will be kicking themselves letting go of such a big lead and the chance at better.
Meanwhile, Tasman scored an expected victory over Manawatu in Palmerston North 54-21 having too much power across the park.
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Blindside flanker Max Hicks and wing Timoci Tavatavanawai grabbed first-half doubles for the visitors, who led 35-7 at halftime.
Hawke's Bay 41 (Folou Fakatava, Kianu Kerenu-Symes, Nick Grigg, Frank Lochore, Tim Farrell, Lochore, Geoff Cridge tries; Lincoln McCutchie 2 con, pen, Danny Toala 2 con, Hayden Godfrey con) North Harbour 32 (Kade Banks 2, Shaun Stevenson, Karl Ruzich tries; Tane Edmed 3 con, pen). HT: 7-15
Hawke's Bay 54 (Timoci Tavatavanawai 2, Max Hicks 2, Levi Aumua, Jack Gray, Sione Havili-Talitui, Finlay Christie tries; William Havili 7 con) Manawatu 21 (Brett Cameron, TK Howden, James Tofa tries; Brett Cameron 3 con). HT: 35-7
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