First five-eighths Gareth Arlidge brought a calm, experienced head to a young, dynamic backline in 2013, just what the team needed on their way to the club’s first Gallaher Shield win.

Arlidge had previously played professional rugby for Auckland and Tasman, and said the smattering of players with that first class experience along with young players contributed to a great culture.

“We had the players that had a taste of professional rugby so could bring that knowledge into the team environment and then we had young players that were coming through that really bought into the high standards that were set.”

“Everyone brought into the winning culture and high performance mind set that we developed.”

“There were no cutting corners and we held each other accountable. Those foundations were laid in the three seasons before that and Ala and Nev did a great job in bringing it all together in 2013. There was a real sense that something great was going to happen.”

And great it was. Gareth says while he agrees with many of his teammates that in some ways the semi-final against Grammar felt like a Final, it was the week later that sticks with him.

“To go onto Eden Park in the Final and put 50 points on University is something very special.”

“The final was a bit of a blur, it all seemed to happen so fast; it was very one sided.

“Our forward pack completely dominated them, while Aula Silipa, Caleb Hall, Des Spooner and Nick Smith carved them in the backs. The sense of pride and achievement amongst the team after the final whistle was memory that will always be with me.”

Gareth is quick to name drop young players like Nick Smith and Caleb Hall in the outstanding season they had and says players like Michael McBeath and David Adams led in keeping up high standards.

“The whole team played their part in the success of this particular year. In terms of the players that really stood out during the season, having players like Tom McCartney regularly and Joe Edwards really helped lift the standards of the group, DWD was a beast and so too was Nams.”

Gareth, who is still involved in the club now working for sponsors PIC, said it was a very special time to be involved at the club and the celebrations after the Final were some to remember (albeit a bit hazy!)

“Memories of that night are limited, but arriving at the club on the team bus to a sea of people was amazing. The bus was surrounded by so many supporters, when the doors opened to the bus a tunnel formed all the way into the club rooms.”

Article added: Thursday 08 June 2023