ERIC Rush's 1994 season, which commenced with him leading New Zealand to triumph at the Hong Kong Sevens, ended in disgrace as he was sent off in the 24th minute of the National Championship Grand Final for elbowing Auckland captain Zinzan Brooke in the neck.
This was just one of many ugly incidents during a torrid game that often threatened to explode into an all-in brawl. Brooke's brother, Robin, also received marching orders and two others were sinbinned. Amidst the mayhem, Rush's North Harbour went down 22-16 and Auckland claimed their eighth Championship.
The Auks' forwards provided the key to victory through a typically proficient display and scored all their team's three tries.
A Shane Howarth penalty goal put Auckland ahead after a quarter of an hour and, eight minutes later, Olo Brown scored his first try of the season when forcing the ball over the line with sheer brute strength following a ruck. Howarth's conversion increased the lead to 10-0 and that is how it remained at half-time.
Three successful Warren Burton penalty kicks brought the margin back to a single point before, ironically, Burton gave away a try by fumbling a simple pass from his half-back deep in defence. Shaun Fitzpatrick pounced on the loose ball.
Six minutes from full-time, replacement Jason Chandler clinched the title when his packmates swept him over for a converted touchdown.
The home team snatched a late, converted, consolation try; Walter Litter charging down an attempted clearance and outpacing the cover defence while at least 10 players were occupied in yet another scuffle in front of the goal posts.
