League: Swords fight to the very end

James Dean Fisher Harris, pictured here in the game against the Central Vipers earlier this year, will follow Elijah Taylor to Penrith next year. PHOTO/RON BURGIN

The Northern Swords Under-17s stumbled at the final hurdle but have still ended their season as the most successful Swords team since the national competition began.

The team couldn't continue their giant-killing form against Auckland on Sunday, going down 16-44 at Cornwall Park, but still finished in third place with four wins and two losses.

Coach Benson Selwyn said the team's success shows the high level of talent in Northland.

"I'm really proud of the boys, to get that many wins at the level of competition we were playing at just shows how much talent we have and if we can work on that raw talent it will open up opportunities everywhere," he said.

It caps off a great season for Rugby League Northland with increased playing numbers and the senior team winning their first ever competition match. Recognition of the U17 team's talent has already produced a number of 2014 NRL youth contracts for players.

James Dean Fisher-Harris and Corey Selwyn have scored Penrith Panther contracts and will join Kaitaia and Kiwi league star Elijah Taylor, who starts his Penrith career next year.

"Elijah came to our training on Saturday and said that both of our guys can stay with him until they get accommodation sorted - which is an awesome offer - because it's great to know that Elijah will look after them and keep an eye on them," Selwyn said.

The coach said his side have performed above themselves all year but they were beaten by a better side on Sunday.

"We got within six points of them on a few occasions but we were never quite able to haul them in," he said.

The Swords trailed 12-28 at the break and made a big effort to get back into the game, playing their best football of the match after the break. Prop Piri Croft - one of the outstanding Swords players - crashed over to narrow the scores but after a sustained effort on defence, the Auckland team broke out and scored to relieve the pressure.

For the Swords it ended a fairytale run and denied them a place in next weekend's final.

"We've successfully played catch-up football in the last few games but we couldn't manage it on Sunday, they just got too far ahead," Selwyn said.

Fisher-Harris and Emrys Croft-Haenga scored first half tries, while Daniel Fulop kicked two goals and Croft's try was the only second half Swords score.

It has been a memorable season for the Swords side and their supporters.

"I've got to mention the support we've had throughout the year, it has been amazing, and it was the same on Sunday - there were more Northland supporters than Auckland supporters watching the game," the coach added.