The conversation in the Saracens camp had already turned to who was going to go buy the victory drinks by early afternoon of the season's final Wanganui Premier League match on Saturday.
After another default from a Gillette Cup-focused Collegiate handed maximum points to Marist without a match, the Marton team needed to ensure they came away with something from the clash with United at Victoria Park to claim the title.
In the end, the country boys had no need for concern as a team bowling effort laid waste to this season's one-day champions for an anti-climactic 151.
Having already secured a bonus point, Saracens then sealed the championship as they picked off the total in fair order, minus United spinner Tom Lance giving them a few headaches.
Dan Gordon (51) and captain Dominic Rayner (43) provided the platform for the five-wicket win.
It made for an extremely rare third-consecutive defeat for United as once again their total was chased down.
Rayner was delighted with his squad's form reversal after the "horror" before Christmas when they had a solitary one-day competition victory, compared to just one defeat in the Premier League.
"It might have been a change in attitude, more confidence.
"We bowled well with the red ball, there's more chance to swing.
"A few guys stood up each game and that's what it takes to win competitions."
The winning captain also gave a measured thumbs up to the Premier League concept of playing one-day games under rules more closely resembling its two-day parent.
The die was cast early as Saracens bowling attack shared the spoils and kept United from forming meaningful partnerships.
Rayner, Gordon, Dan Ford and Phil Galpin each bagged a pair, taking apart the top order who lost two wickets at 49 and another wicket six runs later.
United captain Andrew McCaa held up his end but was run out for 47, with Lance (28) and a tail-end cameo from Brendan Walker (27) being the next best efforts. Gordon's shot selection was not always textbook but he kept the scoreline ticking along with a succession of boundaries.
Results -
Porter Hire Premier 1
United 151 (A McCaa 47, D Gordon 2-16, D Ford 2-18, B Galpin 2-24, D Rayner 2-28) lost to Saracens 153-5 (D Gordon 51, D Rayner 43, T Lance 4-41).
Marist beat Collegiate by default.