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The Steelers Development side lost to Auckland 52-27 in their match at Karaka Sports Complex on Saturday.

In a crazy game of football, Mike Tuiloma's side dominated the first half to lead 27-7 at halftime.

But they lost their way in the second spell to go on and lose the game comfortably.

"I thought the it was literally a game of two halves and we disappeared completely in the second half," Tuiloma explained.

"We were up 27-7 at half time and the boys just couldn't keep that pressure on.

"This week I tasked the team with being more direct in where I wanted the carries and it was beautifully executed and we scored good points from a simple direct plan.

"Our set piece was on fire and we dominated in scrum and in lineouts. Our centres punched hard and were good off their feet."

Larenz Tupaea-Thomsen was superb for the home side while Alex Eruera had another strong game.

The Counties Manukau U19s had a narrow 22-14 loss to North Harbour at Kumeu Rugby Club Not for the first time this season, Counties Manukau gave the opposition a good start with North Harbour scoring two early tries - both were well constructed and showed patience and accuracy. Counties Manukau's first good raid yielded a try to captain Nathan Halliday, which was converted in front by Jayden Flanagan.

A North Harbour opportunist try after a lineout steal by Taeao Pomale-Time proved to be a decisive points break that took North Harbour to a 22-7 at halftime lead.

Counties Manukau rallied strongly in the second half and the crowd were kept entertained with some high tempo rugby from both teams. A try to Fakaongo Leaaemanu and conversion to Flanagan closed the score to 22-14. Although Counties Manukau created some more chances to close the score right up, execution at critical times and desperate North Harbour defence meant the final score stayed at 22-14.

Red (Courage) Player of the Day - Jayden Flanagan Black (Work Hard) Player of the Day - Fakaongo Leaaemanu.

Counties Manukau U85s lost to Auckland 39-7 at Grammar TEC while the Counties Manukau U18 Boys had a 17-17 draw with Auckland at Waitemata Rugby Club.