North Harbour edged Northland on Thursday in the opening game of the Mitre 10 Cup. Rene Ranger was a stand out, as we posted about, but another sub-plot was the story of Bryn Gatland. The number ten started awfully, got smashed in a tackle then was practically knocked out.
However, he found it within himself to pull things back and put that all behind him.
With bloodied shirt and no doubt hazy mind, he stepped up to take what turned out to be the winning penalty kick with just six minutes left. And just like that, his forgettable night became one to remember.
Watch highlights of the match, and Rene Ranger's fine form, here