Russell was buzzing on Sunday after its rugby team beat Waitangi for the first time in six years in the annual challenge.
Russell's dominance in the 42-12 victory came as something of a surprise to most watching the game at the Bledisloe Domain in Waitangi - but not everyone.
"It was a bit of a surprise. They're usually too big, too fast and too fit for us, but this year we had something a little bit special ready for them," delighted Russell coach Gary Hooson said.
A "new bunch" of young up and coming players who had finally reached the age where they could play senior rugby had combined with some experienced players to provide a winning platform for the Russell team.
"They were the difference out there and we claimed the trophy back and there was a special significance to this year's competition too," Hooson said.
To mark the occasion, the original trophy, donated by the Russell Sports Club in 1985, was found after years of "missing in action" and was warmly welcomed back to the fold.
It was presented as the player of the day trophy, along with its replacement, a carved taonga, to the winning team.
The rugby encounter was a skilled physical battle which was played during heavy showers.
A dominant scrum led by captain Rob Williams set a strong platform for the backs to run in some impressive tries. Christian Walker, who had flown up from Dunedin for the match, ended up scoring four tries which were set up well by all contributing backs which included Fats George.
Manager Lee David was ecstatic with the win.
"We really held our discipline and composure under fire. We were blessed this year to be able to call on the younger guys such as Trevor Attwood, Jonty Hooson, Noah Cooper and Kahu Reid as well as having the older fellas such as Jimmy Anderson, Ben Murphy, Joe Reynolds and Steve O complete the squad," he said.
"It actually seems a shame to name players because everyone had a positive influence towards the win and no one had a bad game."
The day didn't start so well for the Russell netballers with Waitangi winning the netball challenge at the Paihia Primary School.
Waitangi, as hosts, incorporated junior players into the netball game, which consisted of five quarters. Russell's aspiring junior netballers took to the court, with help from Max Stuart, playing a talented, high-passing Waitangi side.
At the first quarter break Waitangi led 11-9 but Paihia players including Alyson Maioha, who was ferocious in her defence, evened the score at 20-all.
Young Paihia players Steffi Hooson and Alice Stuart matched their opponents in speed and skill with support from the gracious Tipene trio, Lara, Maraea and mother Maxine, but Waitangi eventually won 47-34.
The day certainly ended well at the aftermatch function at the Bledisloe Clubrooms with the Russell rugby team trying out their bragging skills, which must have been a bit rusty after six years of defeats.