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Mahurangi Rugby Club’s Under-85kg team claimed the competition’s Plate Final after defeating North Shore 34-10 at home.
After a first half dominated by North Shore, Mahurangi recovered in the second half to secure the title, with prop Flint Rogers being named Player of the Match.
The team had returned to the competition this season after being absent for several years and booked its place in the Plate final with a victory over East Coast Bays.
Coach Andy Macdonald said the achievement was particularly rewarding as the team is still very young and has limited senior rugby experience.
“Our goal was to compete in every game this season, and the group has continued to improve week after week,” Macdonald said. “When we started pre-season late last year, I realised we had a very competitive squad.”
Preparations for next season are already under way, with pre-season training sessions scheduled and new players welcome to join the team.
“It was fantastic to see the sidelines and the clubrooms packed,” he said. “We hope this sends a message to the local community that the club is moving in a really positive direction and is working towards adding one or two more senior teams.”
Under-85kg rugby is a form of rugby union in which all players must weigh 85kg or less to be eligible to compete.
Like traditional rugby union, it is played with 15 players on each team. The grade was introduced to provide a competitive pathway for lighter players, placing greater emphasis on skill, speed and open play rather than physical size.
- Silverdale won the main title with a 17-10 victory over Massey.
