Northcote Tigers

Northcote Tigers
Club information
Full name Northcote and Birkenhead Tigers Rugby League and Sports Club Inc
Colours Gold and Black
Founded 1910 as the Northcote Warriors
Current details
Ground(s)
  • Birkenhead War Memorial
Coach(s) Norm Stockman
Competition Auckland Rugby League
Records
Premierships 1987, 1989, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 2001
Minor premiership 1989, 1990, 1991, 1993
National Club Champions 1987, 1989, 1991
Roope Rooster 1988, 1991, 1992, 1993, 2008, 2009
Stormont Shield 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992
Sharman Cup 1979, 2003, 2007

The Northcote Tigers are a rugby league club based in Northcote, New Zealand. The club was founded in 1910 as the Northcote Warriors.[1]

The Tigers compete in the Fox Memorial competition run by the Auckland Rugby League. Between 2000 and 2002 the Northcote Tigers competed in the national Bartercard Cup before being replaced by the North Harbour Tigers for three seasons. In 1994-1996 the North Harbour Sea Eagles in the Lion Red Cup were also based at the Birkenhead War Memorial.

History

The Northcote Tigers jersey

In 1909 members of the North Shore Rugby Union were so impressed with the new type of football they had seen that they decided to found a club for the 1910 season. Thus in 1910 the Northcote "Ramblers" League Football Club was born. It wasn't until 1948 however that the club qualified for the first grade and earned 'senior' status. In 1987 they finally won the Fox Memorial championship, under the coaching of David (the icon) Harding

Notable players

Probably the club's greatest product was former Kiwi's halfback Gary Freeman. Other famous players to play for the Tigers include Sean Hoppe, Jason Lowrie, Gene Ngamu, Paul Rauhihi, Tony Tuimavave and current New Zealand Warrior Kevin Locke

Kiwi Representatives

Thirteen players have played for the New Zealand Kiwis:[2]

The club has also had many Auckland representatives, including: Shane Horo, Stuart Galbraith, Brian McLennan, Logan Campbell, Latham Tawhai, Mark Elia, Ken McIntosh, and Willie Poching.

Bartercard Cup

With the creation of the Bartercard Cup in 2000 by the New Zealand Rugby League the Tigers were one of the seven Auckland sides invited to join. However they did not experience that much success, failing to make the top five in three successive attempts.

Season Pld W D L PF PA PD Pts Position (Teams) Finals
2000 227114490654-16415Tenth (Twelve)N/A
2001 21101105665085823*Seventh (Twelve)N/A
2002 16808401472-7116Seventh (Twelve)N/A

*two points for a Bye as the Ngongotaha Chiefs dropped out of the competition.

North Harbour Tigers

In 2003 the Bartercard Cup Franchise was renamed the North Harbour Tigers. The new side represented all of the North Shore teams and not just the Northcote club. It experienced a some success in its three-year history, making the top five twice, both times losing in the Elimination Semifinal.

Season Pld W D L PF PA PD Pts Position (Teams) Finals
2003 166284964039314Sixth (Twelve)N/A
2004 169164693749519Fourth (Twelve)Lost Elimination Semifinal
2005 16100650832318520Fourth (Twelve)Lost Elimination Semifinal

Harbour League

See also: Harbour League

In 2006 the number of Auckland Bartercard Cup sides was reduced from eight to five. This resulted in the North Harbour Tigers and the Hibiscus Coast Raiders leaving the competition and being replaced by the Harbour League franchise.

References

  1. John Haynes From All Blacks to All Golds: Rugby League's Pioneers, Christchurch, Ryan and Haynes, 1996. ISBN 0-473-03864-1
  2. Northcote and Birkenhead Tigers Rugby League and Sports Club Inc Historical Information Auckland Rugby League, 2009

External links