A 31-0 Northland victory over Counties-Manukau ensured they retained the Vancouver Cup at the Roller Mills primary school rugby tournament at Wesley College.
They lifted the cup after beating holders Auckland East 12-10 on Tuesday. Yesterday's win has helped the team overcome the news that, despite winning two out of three
of their pool games, they will not progress through to today's semifinals.
Three of the four teams in Northland's pool ended the tournament with two wins and a loss.
Northland beat Auckland East 12-10 on Tuesday after losing 8-22 to Auckland West on Monday. East received a bonus point for their close loss, leaving Auckland West and Northland on the same points - with West beating Northland, they progressed to the semifinals.
"The irony is that we could win five games and lose one and still come fifth this week," coach Peter Nock said.
There was still a good feeling in the squad with the recognition that Northland will at least keep the trophy - presented by the mayor of Vancouver in 1932 - until next season as the prize is only up for challenge during pool play at the tournament.
Northland play Thames Valley today and, if successful, they will play the winner of Bay of Plenty and Counties tomorrow for fifth place.
