Extra-time double seals Galbraith Shield glory for Barbarians

Sunday, 12 July 2026

Morgan Mitchell and the Eastern Northern Barbarians celebrate with the Galbraith Shield after defeating Pirates Old Boys 40-28.

Two extra-time tries secured the Eastern Northern Barbarians their second Galbraith Shield title with a 40-28 victory over Pirates Old Boys at Les George Oval on Saturday.

It was a fitting final between the two standout teams in the Rugby Southland premier club competition. Fittingly, it was 10 years since the Eastern Northern Barbarians last held the trophy.

A Greg Dyer penalty with two minutes remaining looked to have secured Pirates Old Boys the title, however the Barbarians managed to secure the kick-off and score through fullback Rylee Stewart to tie proceedings. First five-eighth Taylor Peterson missed the kick, forcing the match into extra time.

Eastern Northern Barbarians halfback Charlie Marsh was the best player on the park in the Galbraith Shield final.

Tries to standout lock Harrison Morton and tireless number eight Brenton Howden secured the victory for the Barbarians after 100 minutes of action.

For Pirates Old Boys there will be disappointment, with this being the third straight year they’ve finished as runners-up.

Eastern Northern Barbarians captain Morgan Mitchell said it was a cracking contest.

Materua Tupou was of the best in a losing cause for Pirates Old Boys.

“It was pretty bloody special. It was tough going. Credit to POB, they really brought it to us.”

Mitchell said it would have been better to win in normal time, but the final certainly gave the spectators plenty of excitement.

“I believed in the lads. I didn’t think it would take 100 minutes but there were a few emotions going through the boys at times. I told them to control the emotions and we control the game, and I thought we did that at the end very well.”

Ryan McFaul and the Eastern Northern Barbarians celebrate with the Galbraith Shield. Their last win came 10 years ago.

It was a real team effort, Mitchell said, with all 23 players being required.

As for his career, Mitchell said it was time to hang the boots up.

“That’s it. My boots are absolutely buggered; they’re being held together by tape and I’m not buying any more.

Harrison Morton carries the ball into contact during the Eastern Northern Barbarians win over Pirates old Boys in the Galbraith Shield final.

“It was a cool group to be part of. It wasn’t just me leading. There’s a group of boys helping who have been here a long time. It’s just great to win for our region. It was just a real good team effort.”

Mitchell said he didn’t feel nerves.

“I was calm but I was just treating it as another game. A few of the lads certainly had them and it was just about helping them control them.”

Taylor Peterson and the Eastern Northern Barbarians celebrate with the Galbraith Shield.

Barbarians coach AJ Aitken said it was a great endorsement for rugby.

“It was a hell of an effort and extra time was our best friend, to be fair. We got ourselves out of jail. It was an unbelievable final and proves there wasn’t much between the two top teams.”

POB captain Greg Dyer was full of praise for a top Barbarians outfit.

Greg Dyer had a strong game for Pirates Old Boys.

“The Barbarians, well done. Everyone has been chasing you all season and it shows why you’ve been the top team all year. Heck of a side if you can keep it together. It was a heck of a final.”

Dyer said POB would keep their heads high and still celebrate a great season.

“To our supporters, it wasn’t the result we wanted but you guys were massive. Running out to those banners and the Bs on the sideline shows what our club is all about.”

For the Barbarians, Morton was immense, as was flanker Jacob Coghlan, while halfback Charlie Marsh, who is part of the Stags squad this year, was the best on the park.

Pirates Old Boys’ best were the hard-working Craig Smith, loose forwards Dustin Coveney and Jacob Harrex, while winger Materua Tupou looked dangerous with the ball in hand.

It was a final that had it all: big tackles, strong carries and pieces of brilliance.