The Pakuranga Vikings locked away the Barry Boyden Shield earlier this month with an awesome tournament win at the annual Under 10 Grammar Invitational Tournament.

It’s the third year of the tournament, which was won in 2022 by our very own Super Chargers, the Vikings carrying on the winning ways last weekend. 

12 teams took the field with three pool matches deciding on semi-finalists in a busy day of rugby. After two wins in pool play, the Vikings had a tough assignment against Carlton in the semis. The Vikings led 20-15 and had to defend with passion to hold on for the win and advance to the final.

Against old foes Ponsonby it was a tit for tat final, with scores level 20 all at half time. The Vikings found another gear in the second half and ended up winners 40-30.

Coach Brad Colebrook said it was an exciting win for the entire team.

“When the final whistle blew there were huge celebrations from the kids jumping and hugging and all nearly falling over in exhaustion after emptying the tank for their mates, team and club. 

“The success story of the Vikings is that it took a full team effort from number 1-15; every player did their part and brought glory back to their beloved club and gave their everything to it and got the results, because they played as a team. Stars don’t win games.. teams do.”

Colebrook commended the Grammar Juniors on a fantastic tournament, and the other management; Josh Tye and Rob Hunkin, team ref -  Dave Dorrington and team mum/Scorer – Kelly McCullough.

The Vikings are: Samuel Sharp, Maddox Monkley, Bowden Dawson, Fletcher Hamilton, Connor Thompson, Conor Winstanley, Ben Hunkin, Blake Burgess, Kayd Colebrook, George Bell, Max Dorrington, Noah Bryan, Jordan Tye, Jake Turner,  Grayson Bond