In a potential grand final match up the Harbour boys A team was up against Zone 1 champion and local arch rival Hibiscus Coast. The atmosphere was tense as a big crowd following both teams turned out in support.

Coast’s game is based on turnovers and fast break points and Harbour allowed them this early giving up turnovers as they settled into their press break formation.

Logan McIntosh and Jared Thornton combined numerous times to keep the score ticking over for Harbour. The pace of the game was slower than what Coast usually experience and Harbour had an obvious game plan with a slower tempo.

The intensity from Coast was relentless and they were up on the scoreboard by virtue of hitting 3 of 4 early from the three point line. The first quarter ended 27-18 to Coast.

The start of the second saw the action on the floor take a back seat to that in the stands. Parents from both sides exchanged pleasantries as the heat got the best of others who registered threats.

Harbour brought the score back to 31-25 by using a slow pace on offense and sprinting back on defense.

The contrasting rotations from each side could not have been greater as Coast used six and a half players during the game whereas Harbour had given everyone game time.

The lead for Coast leapt quickly as the sharp shooting Hayden Druce was scorching hot hitting three straight three’s. The hot finish took Coast to a 51-34 lead at the end of the first half.

The third period started with Harbour making lots of shots but having them answered back with threes. Druce from Coast made his fifth of the game as the lead was at 60-44.

After a timeout from the opposition Harbour began quickening the pace which took Coast out of the rhythm they had created. Druce settled them again though with his sixth three pointer of the game as  the 75-58 advantage was with Coast with one period to go.

In the final quarter the intensity continued as Harbour attempted to mount a comeback. Miggy Falqueza drove to the hoop hard and knocked down a three of his own but it wasn’t going to be enough.

After getting themselves into a big hole the A team wasn’t able to dig itself out going down to their bitter rivals 94-77 with the second half being tied at 43 apiece.

In the earlier game the A team defeated an outclassed Porirua team easily winning 94-28.