“We’re super-proud of the boys’ effort and determination as a team,” NoaNoa said.
“A lot of people in the competition underestimated us in a few ways, but to make it to the final and beat the defending champions was a top performance.
“That win felt like it was a long time coming.”
Veteran Nūhaka second-five Hickson Raroa said: “It was a hard game to get into”.
“Both teams won their own set-piece ball, but we made unforced errors,” said Raroa, who, with blindside flanker Aoterangi Cotter, coached the side.
Referee Keelyn Smith awarded Ngatapa a penalty nine minutes into the game and NoaNoa potted the goal for 3-0.
Raroa scored the first try after 14 minutes and it was converted by centre Tahuwaka Edwards to give The Star a 7-3 lead.
In the 20th minute, NoaNoa kicked another penalty, only for Cotter to dot down in the 35th minute.
Edwards converted and Raroa completed a personal double in the 40th minute to give the reigning champions a 19-6 lead at halftime.
Reserve second-five Waisale Kubunameca started the Ngatapa comeback with a try – goose-step and all – after 53 minutes. NoaNoa’s conversion reduced the deficit to six points.
The green and whites’ centre Kelan Bryant scored a sensational try at the one-hour mark, holding a bullet pass and beating two men to score for 19-18.
Bryant’s midfield partner Mikaere Bell put Ngatapa ahead 23-19 with a 70th-minute try and Delamere scored the title-sealing try in the 76th.
Matawhero Harvest Transport Ngatapa 28 (Weihana Delamere, Mikaere Bell, Waisale Kubunameca, Kelan Bryant tries; Irie NoaNoa 2 pen, con) Nūhaka V8s 19 (Hickson Raroa 2, Aoterangi Cotter tries; Tahuwaka Edwards 2 con). HT: Ngatapa 6 Nūhaka 19.