The Western Sharks have finally made it to the pinnacle of Northland club rugby, the Championship Final.
The Sharks were formed to provide the Northern Wairoa area with one team that could challenge the traditional powerhouses of Northland rugby in the Premier Club Championship and on Saturday, after 10 long years, they have realised that goal.
Ably led by their powerhouse prop Gary Whippy, the Sharks overcame a tenacious Horahora premier side 23 — 18 on Saturday in an intense and riveting encounter. Down by 18 to 7 with 25 minutes to play the Dargaville-based side rallied and scored two penalties, a converted try and an outstanding 40 metre dropped goal to put Horahora out of the finals and in doing so achieve one of the goals that the team has set for itself this year.
Premier Coach, Myles Ferris puts it down to a huge amount of self belief within the team and a strong desire to achieve the goals that they had set.
Making the finals, having the best defensive record and beating teams that they had not beaten previously when playing away were the key motivating factors for the team all season. One of the big ones was to beat the team they are playing in Saturday’s final for the first time, Mid-Northern.
“We achieved that when we played them at home in the first round. They beat us over there in the second round but there is not much between the teams,” Ferris states. Make no mistake though; the Sharks will not be resting on their laurels for this game. “We were all in agreement that we now have one final goal, to win it.”
Finally he has a plea to the people of Northern Wairoa. “It would be fantastic for this community to be able to bring the trophy back here. The boys will be up against it this weekend and we need all the support we can get so if you can get to the game at Okara Park wearing blue & black, waving banners or flags, it will lift them.
Then if everything goes to plan we would love to see everyone back at our club on Saturday night. In fact win or lose it will be a celebration of a very successful year.”
Kickoff is at 2.15pm Saturday at ITM Stadium. $5 for those over 16, under 16 free. To get on the supporters’ bus contact Bronwyn Williamson on 09 439 6104.
The Western Sharks’ clubrooms will be open from 7pm on Saturday. All welcome.
