SHORE SPORT: North Harbour Rugby
Must have book for local rugby followers
Anyone who believes that North Harbour, especially its representative A side, has been one of rugby’s great under-achievers, might have a different view if he or she reads the history which has been produced to help celebrate the union’s 25th jubilee.
Coinciding with the jubilee, which will be held on the weekend of July 31-August 1 when Harbour opens its ITM provincial campaign against “big brother” Auckland, the history has been compiled by veteran journalist Lindsay Knight, who has been a close observer of Harbour from its earliest days.
Though originally from Canterbury, and for many years identified with Wellington as rugby writer for The Dominion, Knight has lived on the North Shore since 1977. A lengthy stint with the Auckland Star in the 1980s meant Knight reported on the many processes which led to the union’s introduction in 1985 and then in subsequent years, for a variety of publications, he has covered many of Harbour’s representative matches and also the premier club competition.
Knight thus writes with some authority and insight on many of the union’s aspects, including some of its most memorable triumphs, against France in 1994 and the Ranfurly Shield success of 2006, as well as the more controversial moments, such as the infamous Battle of the Onewa Domain NPC final in 1994.
Figuring prominently in the history are a cross-section of personalities, none more so than the foundation captain Wayne Shelford and foundation coach Peter Thorburn, and there is an illuminating review of the huge controversy which erupted when in 1990 Shelford was ousted as All Black captaincy and “Bring Back Buck” banners become folklore.
An emphasis on the roles of Shelford and Thorburn has been undoubtedly inevitable. Without their contribution in the early years the Harbour union would have taken much longer to have become an established force.
The importance of clubs and other activities pursued by Harbour have also been highlighted. There is an extensive statistical section and the carefully crafted near 300 pages are adorned by an array of illustrations. Modestly priced, the Harbour history is a must for all rugby lovers.
Learning to play Golf at...
