Northern Suburbs resurrect the spirit of ‘75 in their shot at Shute Shield grand final glory
IN a classic David and Goliath battle, Northern Suburbs take on the might of Sydney University on Saturday in a bid to break a 41-year rugby grand final drought.
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IT HAS been more than forty years since Northern Suburbs lifted rugby’s Shute Shield silverware over their heads.
The decades-long drought has left the Shoremen thirsty for success and this Saturday they are back in the game.
The side won a place in the grand final against Sydney University after securing their 12th win in a row last weekend.
And for the first time the game is being played at their home ground: North Sydney Oval.
Northern Suburbs have enjoyed a huge turnaround in their fortunes since the appointment of head coach Simon Cron last year.
In 2014 the side were hovering close to the bottom and won only a handful of games.
Under his stewardship they narrowly missed out on a spot in the finals in 2015 and could be on their way to a premiership this weekend.
“It’s a tribute to the boys and the effort they have put in and all the work,” Cron said. “They’ve all worked really hard to get to where they are.
“I’m proud of what the boys have achieved.”
The New Zealander played club rugby at home and won the kiwi equivalent of the Shute Shield four times.
He played more than 140 division one games and understands what the players are going through.
This week they are putting in more work ahead of the big game and they will be sticking to their processes.
“We haven’t finished yet,” Cron said.
“My plan is we’ve got one more. We’ve achieved nothing apart from getting a ticket to the dance and now we’ve got to do the job.”
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Former Wallaby and Northern Suburbs legend Peter Carson will also be among the VIPs cheering in the stands.
“I hope it’s lucky 13,” he said.
As a former Norths player he has a strong connection with the club and has been texting captain Will Miller throughout the season.
The day will bring back a lot of memories for him as he played for the last winning side in 1975.
“We beat Parramatta,” he recalled. “It was a tryless grand final.
“It was a pretty gruelling game, not as entertaining as the way these boys play these days.”
The match was played at the Sydney Sports Ground, which no longer exists.
Carson remembers full back Allen Anderson kicking the winning penalty goal minutes before time and the celebrations when the final whistle blew.
And he had some wise words for the players this weekend.
“Keep the opposition frustrated,” he said.
“That’s all I have to say. That’s what they are able to do so well.
“Frustrating a team by holding positions for such a long time and defending very, very well.”
North Sydney Mayor Jilly Gibson was looking forward to the match and was optimistic about a win.
“It’s time,” she said.
The Oval is expected to attract a large crowd on Saturday and Premier Mike Baird is due to attend. And he gave the Mosman Daily his low down on the match.
“Sydney Uni are proven finals performers and as always will be tough to beat, but you can’t ignore the momentum behind Norths heading into the decider,” he said
The ground is hosting the final because of extensive upgrade works organised by the council.
New drop-in cricket wicket technology means there is an even turf pitch for the rugby season.
“It’s really exciting to see our Oval being put to such good use,” Cr Gibson said.
Tickets are available to buy on the day. Special buses will be running from North Sydney train station.
Gates open at 1pm and kick off is at 3.10pm.
PATH TO GLORY
● Last won the title in 1975
● Reached the grand final in 1998 but lost to Gordon
● The 1960s and 70s were the glory years of the club
● Norths won in 1960, 1963 and 1964
● The 1930s were another strong era with wins in 1933 and 1935
● Northern Suburbs, formed in 1900, is one of Sydney’s oldest rugby clubs
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