U21's North Harbour Development Runners Up

The season began with the prospect of being able to create two U21 teams at the club due to the hard work of management and existing Northcote players to get boys interested in playing at Northcote.

The Maroon team was a mix of Under 19’s from last season, some previous 21’s players and boys from outside the club including some new to rugby.

Whilst the results did not always come our way we were always in the game up until the last 10 minutes when our fitness would sometimes come back to haunt us. Other teams had a lot more seasoned 21 players and it was an eye-opener as to the difference between 19’s and 21’s.

With 21 of the 26 man squad still able to play Under 21’s next year, the team will be a different proposition in the future.

We lost a close-fought final in the under 21 development grade that could have gone either way but unfortunately for us, it just wasn’t to be.

Commitment through the year was impressive and training at Stafford Tuesday’s and Thursday’s was well attended with numbers consistently over the 20’s.

The team was a pleasure to coach and full of good bastards with no egos. We had not seen a team like this for years and dare we say it, the social aspect was almost more important than the footy - this was probably reinforced by the club's bar takings!

We would like to recognize Manager Chrissie, Trainer Rangi, Physio Caitlin, Tactician/waterboy Bill, Runner Cory and Advisor Steve for their support and dedication over the year, without their efforts this would not have been the team it was.

Also, we need to recognize what a special club we all are involved with that allows us to put two 21 teams out on the field week in week out.

Paul, Gary & Ian.