KEY POINTS:
It's not often you see players dancing with delight after winning a league game but it's a different story when the Chatham Cup is at stake.
One of New Zealand's oldest sporting competitions might have lost some of its lustre - the 100 people who ventured to Allen Hill Stadium yesterday afternoon rather than the 2000 of 25 years ago was testament to that - but try telling that to the Shore players.
It has been 21 years since North Shore won the Chatham Cup. Several of the current side weren't even born when the club last achieved the feat.
They are now, however, only 90 minutes away from the chance of a record-equalling seventh title to go with those collected in 1952, 1960, 1963, 1967, 1979 and 1986.
"I hear this about the Chatham Cup not being important but you ask the players," North Shore coach Clive Campbell said, gesturing to his delirious side.
"Because of the tradition, it's everything to these guys."
It certainly is now that North Shore lie midtable in the Northern Premier League, more than 20 points behind runaway leaders Central United. It could be argued, however, that they would much rather win the Chatham Cup than the Northern League anyway.
The small crowd at Allen Hill Stadium yesterday is one reason why New Zealand Football is looking at ways of recapturing interest in the 84-year-old competition.
They have asked for ideas on how to spruce it up, including opening it to NZFC teams.
There have also been suggestions to introduce a cup competition for the franchise sides, with the winner playing the Chatham Cup champion.
"I hear people say that we need to put the franchise teams in. I don't think so. It's a club competition," Campbell said.
"We have killed so many of the traditions. This is one I think we have to keep. I would be disappointed if they meddled with the cup."
Campbell will find out who his side face next when the semifinal draw is made tomorrow.
Holders Western Suburbs joined them in the last four yesterday, with Roddy Brown scoring the winner in extra time against Miramar, the club he played for when they lifted the Chatham Cup in 2004.
Caversham defeated Nomads 1-0 in their quarter-final last weekend, while Central and 2006 runners-up Eastern Suburbs meet at Kiwitea Street today.
North Shore always looked comfortable yesterday, especially after Hamilton Wanderers substitute Daryl Gibbs was shown a red card for roughing up All White Jeff Campbell in the 39th minute.
The home side went to the break leading 2-0 after well-taken goals from Michael Gwyther and Shaun Van Rooyen.
Although Hamilton were better in the second spell and Chad Coombes sent a few nerves through the North Shore side when he scored seven minutes from time, Van Rooyen wrapped up the match two minutes later with his second.
