Harbour was just denied in a nine-try thriller against Alhambra-Union at Watson Park.
Harbour, outplayed in the first half, had the better of the second and seemed likely to win when it launched a furious assault on the Alhambra-Union line in the final minutes.
But, after battering its way almost to the line with a series of pick-and-goes, the ball was knocked on and Alhambra-Union cleared to touch to end the game.
It was a fair result after Alhambra-Union scored four tries in the first half in which the dominant figure was strapping centre Paula Kinikinilau.
He scored two tries with his strength, speed and support and set up another for the loose-head prop, Ben Pereira.
Harbour tightened up in the second spell and played the game more through its forwards in which its front row of Ben Nolan, Peter Mirrielees and Pieter van der Merwe was dominant at scrum time.
Craig Sneddon kicked seven goals from eight attempts for Harbour to contribute 18 points, Ben Marshall was steady at second five-eighth and Johnny Legg was a class act at halfback.
The pack played particularly well as a unit in the second half with flanker Eben Joubert becoming increasingly prominent.
Kinikinilau was the player of the first half but had few opportunities in the second, Luke Reihana kicked six from seven and was classy in midfield and new winger Desma Liania showed plenty of pace.
Pereira was the pick of the Alhambra-Union forwards and was outstanding in the tight-loose.
Harbour 38 (George Folau, Ben Marshall, Johnny Legg, Sam Ready tries; Craig Sneddon 3 conversions, 4 penalty goals), Alhambra-Union 38 (Paula Kinikinilau 2, Jone Puamau, Mitch Ewen, Ben Pereira tries; Luke Reihana 5 conversions, penalty goal).
Halftime: Alhambra-Union 28-21.
Referee: Tim Baker.
