The Northland 1st XV came from behind to win the rugby title at the New Zealand Area Schools Tournament in Dunedin earlier this month.
Northland progressed to the final unbeaten in their three games but had to rely on a try by Frank Vujcich right on the full time whistle to win the final match 17-14 over Central (basically made up of area school players from Auckland to Wellington).
The result saw nine players selected for the New Zealand area schools side to play (either the Vikings or Harlequins) in a curtain-raiser to one of Waikato's ITM Cup home games later in the year: Scott Leijen, Campbell Dunn (Tauraroa), Tame Korewha (Broadwood), Reuben Adam (Panguru), Alan Heighway, Cecil Peterson, Chaz Wetere (Taipa), Kirk Gibbon and Frank Vujcich (Abundant Life Kaitaia).
An estimated 13 Northland players were also selected for the North Island side which had a rare win over their South Island counterparts in the annual challenge. That included those mentioned above along with Joseph Andrew, Nopera Matthews, Anton Osborne (Taipa), and Te Ana Arona (Abundant Life). Also notable was Kereama Brown (Hokianga).
On behalf of the team, Northland assistant manager Tony Cook said a "brilliant, brilliant time" was had by all involved, and noted the side's whare enjoyed a great view overlooking St Clair, a popular surfing break which was receiving a nice swell during the week-long sports tournament. He didn't see any of the local surfers out there but noted a couple of the Mitimiti/ Panguru boys went for a "taste" on the layday. They told him it was "cold ... but worth it".
Meanwhile, other code titles taken out by Northland teams which featured a total of 75 students from throughout the province, included the girls teams winning their basketball and futsal (indoor football) championships. The futsal and basketball boys and both girls and boys volleyball squads also performed with distinction, with none finishing on or near the bottom of their respective competitions.
The 2012 New Zealand Area Schools Tournament national sporting championships were held in Dunedin from Tuesday to Friday, July 3-6. Age sportsphiles are advised a selection of images from the event is available for viewing on the Otago Daily Times website.