"From the Lions Club organising parking to the Senior Western Sharks cooking food, their sub-union organising committee worked tirelessly and majority of it being before the other teams even arrived to play - we are forever grateful."
Eight squads, consisting of 22 players, came from Mangonui, Hokianga, Bay of Islands, Whangarei, Northern Wairoa and Rodney/Otamatea to compete in the four-day tournament.
The Taniwha Shield was a great opportunity for young rugby players to experience a big tournament.
Harper said it was great to see players from different teams getting along.
"To see these kids bond with each other as teams, and then together as one supporting whichever teams are out there competing has been very humbling and overwhelming for me, my first time as Northland Junior Council chairperson overseeing the tournament," she said. "For the kids winning is important, but they also placed fair play, camaraderie and respect for others on the same level."
"As soon as the final whistles were blown the kids were able to reflect, enjoy the moment and support other teams without having all the behind-the-scenes controversy that these kinds of tournaments can bring from us as adults."
Unfortunately there were three serious injuries, but tournament utilised a full-time sports medic on site and also had a huge helping hand from the Rodney/Otamatea medic who is also an ambulance officer.
Harper said the injuries were professionally dealt with.
"The Northland Helicopter attended the fields two days in a row (Friday and Saturday) and took three injured players to Whangarei Hospital.
"Two were concussions and one was a major shoulder injury," she said.
"Between them and the organising committee the injuries were dealt with accordingly and following their guidance we ensured that at all times safety and welfare of the children came first."
Meanwhile, the NRU are hosting the Northland Under-15 Sub-Union Tournament at Kensington Park this week.
