Experience backbone of Shore pack

Experience counts for a lot in sport and no more so than in North Shore’s victory over Takapuna in the North Harbour final.

The Shore forwards, led by Alex Woonton, with 132 premier caps, had more than 500 matches between them – and that included rugged flanker Hone Haerewa, who only debuted for Shore in 2023.

Seven of the winning side had played in the 2021 championship-winning team: Alex Woonton, Edgar Tu’Inukuafe, Donald Coleman, Sione Teu, Tyler Beary, Trent Luka and James Fiebig.

Match-winning moments… James Fiebig takes one against the throw, beating up-and-coming Takapuna 18-year-old Tristyn Cooke to the ball. It was one of two lineout steals by the Shore lock at key stages of the second half.