The jubilant scenes at Nicholson Field after the final whistle on Saturday showed just what it means to beat Auckland Grammar.
Tauranga Boys' players and supporters reacted in unison after Grammar's injury-time penalty attempt missed to give the home team a deserved 18-17 victory that continues the excellent build-up to the Chiefs Cup and Super 8 competitions.
The win over Grammar, who lost last year's Auckland 1A final to St Kentigern College, follows last month's victories against Massey High School and Whangarei Boys', and a draw with Auckland's Sacred Heart College.
Grammar fullback Shaun Stevenson was in tears after he missed the final kick but it would have been a miscarriage of justice had he succeeded, as the determined effort and skills shown by Tauranga Boys' deserved reward.
The final 10 minutes were frenetic, with the lead changing hands twice after Tauranga Boys' prop Aiden Ross crashed over to go ahead 15-7. A lack of concentration from the kick-off saw Grammar regain possession and they cleverly worked the ball into space with their outstanding fullback Stevenson scoring out wide to close the gap to 15-12.