Young Grizzlies make their mark on shield

Twenty-two Whangarei Grizzlies rugby players have made their Dave Culham Taniwha Shield experience one to remember, winning the trophy for their side for the first time in 27 years.

The team, who won 22-12 over Rodney/Otamatea in the final, had not won the tournament since Northland legend David Howell played for them.

Manager Todd Skudder said they were a talented group. "They're a pretty determined young bunch. ... Our goal was to win it, but it was also about getting as many players into the Roller Mills trial," he said, adding they ended up with 12 in the trial.

"Between [coaches] Ali McKay, Carl Gordon and myself, the goal was to win it and give the boys an experience of a lifetime."

Skudder agreed they had achieved their goals during last week's tournament in Kaiwaka and Wellsford.

A story posted to the Taniwha Shield's event Facebook page told of a spectator watching the final from the dead-ball line in Otamatea/Rodney territory when a substituted Grizzlies' player next to him began shouting with tears running down his face: "Twenty-six years Grizzlies, 26 years, come on, boys, 26 years."

Howell took time out to address the kids at the start of the week and after their semifinal win, talking of his fears in rugby and how the Taniwha Shield was the start of the pathway into Northland representative rugby.

Skudder said there was not anyone in particular of the 22 who outperformed the other, saying the whole campaign had been built on a complete team performance - made essential due to New Zealand Rugby's new rule about rotating players at halftime.

New Zealand Rugby implemented a rule below 1st XV level to have all named squad members play at least half a game in January, meaning coaches had to alter their approach.

"To the players it's beneficial because if you stuck with your first 15 some of your players wouldn't get as much game time," Skudder commented.

"We had to structure it so when our seven came on at halftime we didn't lose any impact. People hate the rule, but it is the rule. Whether the rule is right or wrong it is what we've been playing."

However, one player to capture the eyes of some was Jordan Dwight, who was named player of the tournament.

Skudder said he gained the award for his tireless efforts on the field, showing dedication all over the park.

He added a thank you had to go to the parents who supported the team and coaches, saying some parents had even sent him emails since saying their children were feeling as though they had left their family behind since the tournament's end.

Next year's Taniwha Shield tournament will be hosted by the Bay of Islands Sub Union.

Whangarei Grizzlies: Ethan Wikaira, Alex Gordon, Cody Haika, Robbie Hopkins, Tane Heta, Jordan Dwight, Quinn Osborne, Josh Beehre, Zion Going, Max Brunker, Karoha Walters, Max Turner, Liam Shae Harding, Josh Bocock, Dylan Hook, Zac Cameron, Callum McKay, Joe Thelwall, Tawa Holyoake, Cam Gordon, Baxter Skudder, Mana Harding.