Pakuranga United Rugby Club’s all-conquering Panthers are the national men’s Under-85kg grade champions.
In a thrilling final at Sky Stadium (the Cake Tin) in Wellington this afternoon, the Pakuranga Panthers defeated the High School Old Boys’ Light Bears 23-22 to lift the U85kg National Club Cup.
Pakuranga’s achievement was nationally significant enough for the 6pm TV One news bulletin to broadcast the result and victory celebrations during its sports section.
It was also a very auspicious occasion, with the Under-85kg final being the curtainraiser game to the All Blacks’ second Bledisloe Cup test match against Australia this evening.
Pakuranga Panthers qualified for the national final by beating Karaka, of Counties Manukau, 34-24 last Saturday at home at Bell Park.
In the other semi-final on September 21, High School Olds Boys’ Light Bears, of Christchurch (Canterbury Rugby Football Union), won 30-15 over Auckland University’s Slugs.
