Winners of the Chris Kenning Shield and Henry Tohu Trophy

The 2016 season saw Northcote Premier 2 team just failing to go back to back North Harbour Championships. Up to the final, against North Shore, this side had only lost one game and won 14.

In the final, a failure to convert territory dominance in the first half cost the team their ultimate goal for the season and they went down 12-19.

Never-the-less the season was a successful one with a new breed of players at this level orientated into the culture of what is a highly motivated unit.

Captain Andrew Menzies led the way at loose forward.  The player of the year was his fellow loose forward the outstanding Josh Shewan. The most improved back was fullback Marty Watson and the most improved forward was loose forward Alex Blackett. Both, young for this level, demonstrated high potential for the future.

Coaches Doug Tatana and Trevor Snookes were disappointed with the final outcome, but again delivered a very high win /loss ratio of 88%.  The team scored over 600 points (average in excess of 35 per game) and touched down 85 tries in the process. Ever-green 1st five Jordan Mita was the top point scorer with 179 points.  Heading the try-scoring list was fullback Mary Watson with 10.

Managers Glenn Whitley and Simon Williamson have now seen off eight seasons at this level. The former announced his retirement to focus on Board matters and was awarded a sterling team haka on the night of the final.

The team also thanks:

- Physios- Hamish Craighead, Darren Collins and Felicity Stevens

- and sponsors...Tex Tilby (Safe Haulage Ltd) Simon Debelle (Frog Cleaning Ltd), Scott Rinkin (food) and Barry Gaylard (bus), Rex Industrial (principal sponsor) and Sue Mayhew Bayleys.

Finally a big thank you goes to Mr Larnder for helping out between golf.