Four premier league clubs lined up and in the final the South Pacific Raiders edged the Dunedin Bears, a newly formed team in this year's competition, in a thrilling final that went right down to the wire.
In the first round, the Bears claimed what was perhaps an upset 12-8 win over the reigning premiers, the Kia Toa Tigers, and it looked as if it might be the team to beat as the day went on. The Raiders also showed promise, beating University 16-4 with the attacking prowess we have come to expect from Dave Reedy-coached sides.
Round two followed shortly afterwards, but neither of the two games was able to produce a winner.
University bounced back from a disappointing start and managed to hold the Tigers to an 8-8 draw after some strong defensive efforts across the park.
The Bears and Raiders could not be separated, as the full time whistle blew with the score at 10-10.
Round three tested the players' ability to perform while fatigued, and the Bears and Tigers were able to do just that.
The Tigers showed glimpses of the dominance that was on display last season as they clawed their way to a 20-12 victory over the Raiders while the Bears held off a dogged University side, 20-10.
Both sides had looked like the possible winner but University was unable to keep up in the last five minutes of play.
After pool play came to a close, it was determined the Raiders and Bears would play off in the final and University and the Tigers would battle for third place. University secured a 24-4 victory over the Tigers.
In the main final, the Bears and Raiders fought hard to claim the spoils, but it was the Raiders who won a close game, 12-10.
The Bears' big men in the middle worked hard and the efforts of William Jackson and Camrin Brown, in particular, were enough to gain dominance through the middle.
However, the Raiders' never-say-die attitude saw its players strike at pivotal moments.
Winger Willie Time secured victory for his side with his second try of the final, showing pace and finesse with a full-stretch dive into the corner.
