North Harbour will head into next week's Ranfurly Shield challenge against Canterbury full of confidence following a 44-34 win against Bay of Plenty in Albany.
It was a crucial game for both sides, as they are a part of a three-horse race along with Manawatu for the last two finals spots.
Both sides exchanged early penalties as both sides wrestled to gain early dominance.
Steamers centre Teddy Stanaway scored the first try of the match, running a nice angle through the Harbour defence.
Harbour responded 10 minutes later when captain Chris Vui finished off a superb effort, which started from a Matt Duffie break.
Five minutes later, Harbour scored a contender for try of the season when Harbour went the length of the field and every player in the team touched the ball. Tevita Li finished the play, diving over in the corner.
Disaster then struck the Bay of Plenty camp when Scotland International Hugh Blake got taken off the field with a nasty ankle injury.
Harbour led 20-10 at the break.
Li scored his second shortly after the break to extend the lead past two converted tries, but the Steamers were able to respond quickly when winger Monty Ioane bowled his way over in the corner.
Harbour then put the result beyond doubt when Matt Varga and Nic Mayhew scored for the home side.
Two late tries from Bay of Plenty through Joe Royal and Jesse Patere scored, but it was too little, too late.
North Harbour will challenge Canterbury for the Ranfurly Shield on Friday night. Harbour won the shield off Canterbury 10 years ago and will be hoping for the same success.
Bay of Plenty will have to fight hard next week when they host Manawatu in Rotorua.
Newshub.
