Powerhouse centre Tumua Ioane put terror into Harbour defence with his strong burst up the centre and paved the way for Dunedin’s 16-8 win at Kettle Park.
Dunedin led 11-3 at the break and looked to have put the game out of Harbour’s reach, when Ioane burst down the blindside early in the second spell.
He fended off five defenders and fullback Louis Tili was on hand to score the try and stretch the lead to 16-3.
Dunedin should have sealed the game there but strong defence by the Harbour loose trio of Brad Griffiths, Angus Duckett and Eben Joubert stopped it from scoring more points.
Harbour broke out of its own territory after 10 minutes and halfback Johnny Legg scooted over for the try to reduced the gap to eight points.
Harbour lost a try when the touch judge put his flag up for a dangerous tackle by Harbour captain Pete Mirrielees.
Second five-eighth Michael Walding turned the game in Dunedin’s favour in the first spell with his strong tackling and he followed this up with a big burst up the centre.
Will Henry and Keith Cameron were workhorses in the Dunedin front row. Cameron was a strong tackler throughout.
Loose forwards Joe Dobson and Gareth Evans were vigorous.
Dunedin 16 (Louis Tili, Shaan Davis tries; Tili 2 penalty goals), Harbour 8 (Johnny Legg try; Craig Sneddon penalty goal). Halftime: Dunedin 11-3. Referee: Ben O’Keefe.
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