to write fairytale ending to 150th year

was converted to trim to lead back to 21-10. But a rampant Koller had the final say with a runaway try in overtime for 26-10.

A wag in the crowd yelled “time to go back up Lake Rd, Takapuna”.

It was a mighty team effort, with Shore’s pack worthy of a joint man-of-the-match award. Woonton, in his 132nd game, led from the front, Sione Teu was massive at number eight and James Feibig again excellent at lock, stealing two lineouts against the throw when Takapuna tried to rally. Young fullback Hunter Rice, who has made great strides in 2023, was safe under the high ball and on defence. Halfback Brad McNaughten was also rock-solid, as he has been all season.

North Shore has won the North Harbour championship eight times since the union’s founding in 1985, and been runner-up 12 times. The premier reserves team, which also beat Takapuna on 22 July, has won the grade 14 times and been runner-up six times. The club has only twice before, in 1987 and 2014, won both premier and premier reserve titles. The premier final was the first held at Vauxhall Rd. In 1985 and 1986, it was at Onewa Domain, and since has been at North Harbour Stadium. This year the stadium was unavailable, due to the women’s football World Cup.

Season Stats

14 14 0

PLAYED WON LOST

538

157

POINTS FOR POINTS AGAINST

69 47 16

TRIES CONV. PEN.

TOP POINTS SCORER: Oscar Koller (97)

TOP TRY SCORER: Tyler Beary (8)

GAMES BREAKDOWN

Pool play: vs East Coast Bays, won 37-7 vs Takapuna won 41-33 vs Marist won 59-19 vs Silverdale won 37-16 vs Mahurangi won 43-10 vs Northcote won 26-3 vs Helensville won 78-3 vs Massey won 17-10 vs East Coast Bays won 39-7 vs Takapuna won 25-17 vs Marist won 60-7 vs Silverdale won 30-0

North Shore finished top of pool play and had a bye into the semi-final.

Semi-final: vs Northcote, won 20-15

Final: vs Takapuna, won 26-10 match