Former Highlanders midfielder Aaron Bancroft showed his class and experience as Harbour upset previously unbeaten University A in a thriller at the University Oval.
Bancroft made two breaks which led to tries as Harbour raced to an early 15-3 lead before it repulsed a revival from University A to win the Speight's Challenge Shield.
Bancroft formed a threatening midfield combination with Siaosi Folau, both on attack and defence, in what was one of the features of an outstanding Harbour-team performance.
University struck back with a try by fullback Ben Hones just before half-time and when centre Brett Mather scored a stunner just after the break - running 70m, dummying and sidestepping defenders - University A led 23-21 and the signs pointed to it gaining its seventh-consecutive win of the season.
But there was no denying the Harbour forwards, from front-rowers Peter Mirrieless and Ben Nolan to loosies Eben Joubert and Jason Kelly and the student line was under siege for a long period.
The winning points came 16 minutes from the end, when lock Gareth McComb barrelled over after relentless attack.
First five-eighth Dan Snee controlled play well and kicked four goals from seven attempts, but this was very much a team effort and, had Harbour been more clinical in its finishing and had University A not scrambled so well on defence, it would have won by more.
University A was rocked by Harbour's early assault, did well to regain its composure but it could not combat Harbour's sustained intensity.
Brad Cameron played strongly from No 8 and lock Albie Herron was effective in the line-outs but University A did not play with the togetherness of the Harbour eight.
Chris Noakes kicked five goals from six attempts, midfielder Ryan Grant and Hones were threats on attack but the Harbour defence nullified most moves before they had the chance to gain momentum.
Harbour 29 (Jonnie Hughes, Siaosi Folau, Gareth McComb tries, Dan Snee conversion, 3 penalty goals, Hughes penalty goal); University A 23 (Ben Hones, Brett Mather tries, Chris Noakes 2 conversions, 3 penalty goals).
Half-time: Harbour, 21-16.
Referee: Dave McKelvie (Southland).
