North Shore has its day in shield-light

Doug Fletcher holds the Ranfurly Shield aloft during the parade from Takapuna to Albany yesterday. Picture / Glenn Jeffrey

Thousands of people lined the streets of the North Shore yesterday to see the Ranfurly Shield and applaud the team that won it.

Celebrations kicked off at 12.30pm in Takapuna, where police estimated a crowd of up to 5000 had gathered outside the council buildings and along the main street.

The gathering crowds were entertained by chants from dedicated fans Ryan Murray, William Benson and Michael Cusack, who were dressed in black, red and white boiler suits.

The trio also showed off the tattoos of the shield and the winning score that each had had inscribed on his backside after witnessing the team's success at Jade Stadium.

The players, coach Allan Pollock and Mayor George Wood left the council buildings as We Are the Champions blasted out and fans chanted "Harbour, Harbour, Harbour".

North Harbour assistant manager Spy Kelly was the proud bearer of the shield. Kelly has been the team's baggage and drinks man since the North Harbour union was formed 21 years ago.

In a short speech, Pollock dedicated the shield win to the applauding fans. "We were just the lucky guys who were able to go out and win it. But the trophy belongs to you."

Team captain Rua Tipoki added: "I know we can be a hard team to support at times, but thanks for sticking by us."

Former North Harbour players Ian Jones, Frank Bunce and Glen Osborne were present and Tipoki paid tribute to them.

A crowd of supporters and autograph hunters surrounded Jonah Lomu. One excited fan shrieked with joy, showing off a small piece of pink paper with the All Black legend's signature on it.

Three Takapuna boys said the celebration was "cool as". James Lyons, Joel Fuller and Liam Jackson had got autographs on their shirts and been allowed to kiss the shield.

Led by the Navy band, the team left the council offices on the back of a float, waving to fans and taking video footage of the crowds on their own cameras.

Members of the Westlake Boys High School 1st XV performed a haka as the parade started.

The float and attending vehicles travelled through to Milford, Mairangi Bay and Browns Bay.

At North Harbour Stadium, a crowd of around 1000 awaited the arrival of the parade, eating free sausages and playing impromptu games of rugby on the oval.

The union's merchandise stand sold out of replica supporters' jerseys and flags within half an hour of people arriving at the stadium.