The unmistakable voice of North Otago Rugby Supporters Club stalwart Chris Rawson rang out across the embankment at Whitestone Contracting Stadium on Saturday afternoon as his beloved Old Golds crushed Wanganui 39-18 to win the Meads Cup.
Victory in the top division of amateur rugby added to a small province's very large trophy cabinet.
North Otago won its fourth title in eight years, adding the latest silverware to the Lochore Cup it won last year, the 2007 Meads Cup and the 2002 third division title.
It also came in the same year the province won another symbol of grassroots sporting supremacy, cricket's Hawke Cup.
Perhaps more than one proud supporter was heard to wonder aloud on Saturday whether North Otago rugby's success might serve to inspire the province's struggling big brothers, Otago and the Highlanders.
Two lone Wanganui jerseys were among the sea of maroon and gold at the supporters club's tent - their cries of "Go the 'Nui" packing much less punch than the roars for North Otago.
The Wanganui supporters - Marty McGrath and Daniel Mills - regularly followed their team and always stood among the opposition "because it's the best fun", Mr McGrath said.
"You get the feel for the local team," he said, as the constant and entertaining commentary continued around him.
Waitaki Mayor Alex Familton and mayoress Heather Familton were also on the embankment, cheering on the local team as part of a crowd of about 2000.
A streaker, who clearly had not seen much sun, provided some brief entertainment and Mr Familton was contemplating loaning him his top hat, before the streaker disappeared into the crowd.
As fulltime loomed, the cheers at the supporters club changed to "the cup's ours" and "we are the champions".
