Grammar Tec win Auckland Championship

Grammar Tec have won the 2015 Gallaher Shield in dominant fashion beating defending champions University in the final at Eden Park on Saturday 39-14.

It’s the club’s first title as a newly amalgamated side but as a combined organisation made up of five previous clubs it brings its total Gallaher Shield titles to 19.

It was a match that was tight as ever in the first half with no tries scored and teams going tit for tat with penalty kicks. Both teams played to their strengths but there were hints that grammar-Tec had the upper hand using the ball in hand more and making slightly more metres.

However, the second half opened up and Grammar-Tec’s phase play and set moves pulled off effectively. They used their strengths with Auckland and Blues winger Ben Lam being utilised superbly, eating metres and used as the number one weapon when on attack. He was awarded for his troubles with a brace of tries and arguably a man of the match effort.

Simon Hickey hauled in 18 points for the final and single handily beat University by himself.

Yet, it was a great team effort from the champions. They showed great composure throughout the final and despite being in some scenarios under real pressure showed no signs of panic, sticking to the basics and process.

University on the other hand showed signs of dangerous play in moments of the match but only managed to grab just the one try. Other than that they tried their best but just couldn’t execute against such a well drilled Grammar-Tec team.

In the other premier finals the Jubilee Trophy was won by Ponsonby over Papatoetoe 27-21, Eden beat Suburbs 34-27 to win the Portola Trophy and the Presidents Cup was won by Otahuhu over Maungarua 35-13.