Students playing for the Mason Cup were left star-struck as a large crowd turned out to watch Whangarei Boys' High play Kamo High, in a match which was broadcast live on Sky TV's Rugby Channel.
While Boys' High came away with a 22-15 win to retain the Mason Cup, it was the occasion of playing in the match that had the players buzzing.
Boys' High captain Joshua 'JT' Taylor was ecstatic after Saturday's win, which was played in front of about 300 people, admitting it could have gone either way.
"I'm speechless," the 17-year-old Taylor commented of his side's win, which comes about a month after Kamo beat Boys' High 11-10 in a club match.
"I have never played in front of a crowd like this or in front of cameras. It was a great game, anyone could have won.
"It was an honour to represent my school. Thank you to everyone who has followed us through the season."
Taylor's view was mirrored by Kamo High School's winger Michael Tumohe, 16, who noted the addition of nerves to his pre-match routine.
"It's a bit overwhelming," Tumohe said. "I don't normally get nerves before a game but playing in front of this big crowd, and on TV, I got nerves."
Tumohe's coach Brad Miller commented that the occasion was a special one, however he was disappointed with the result.
"The occasion was great and the game was close," he said. "But, I'm highly disappointed we didn't capitalise on the opportunities we created for ourselves [to score]."
However, Miller's opposing coach Pat Stevens was happy to come away with the win even though his heart had taken a good work out because of it.
"Relief," Stevens said of his main feeling after the game. "I have not been this nervous about a game since I don't know when. My heart is absolutely wrecked."
Boys' High director of rugby Ben Smith commented having the match broadcast live on Sky Television was an important move to show the community what the schools are about.
"School first-XV games like this are extremely important for us at Boys High and Kamo to show future parents and families of our school the culture. We both pride ourselves on our achievements both in the classroom and on the sports fields."
Following an article in the Northern Advocate on the history of the Mason Cup, Boys' High's Old Boys' Association came forward with information regarding its history.
Old Boys' Association secretary Greg Weaver explained to his knowledge, thanks to 1966 Boys' High coach Doug Goodison, the P D Mason Cup comes from an ex-Kamo High School student who died while he was at the school. The trophy was donated by his family to be played for by Boys' High and Kamo, played at the holders home ground. Goodison recalls the first Mason Cup clash being a 19-0 win to Kamo even though the trophy itself says the first game was 1968.