The Otangarei Knights claim the Rugby League Northland Minor Premiership for season 2017 by a single competition point as they, and their closest rivals the Takahiwai Warriors, won away from home in the final round of the local league.
Both teams competed for the coveted title as well as the Anthony Murray Memorial trophy awarded to the winners of the second round.
Otangarei travelled to Hikurangi and were challenged all the way by the Stags to notch up the 40-22 victory.
While Takahiwai were hoping the Hikurangi Stags could cause an upset against Otangarei, they too had their work cut out in their local derby to edge a flattering scoreline of 24-4 against a stoic Portland on a heavy track.
The recent rains had predetermined a forward dominated performance at the Portland grounds notorious for cutting up at this time of year.