The Battle of the Bridge is no ordinary local derby. The significance of the game includes domestic and social rivalry, but also remembrance, and specifically two trophies, with over 30 years history.
Newstalk ZB Trans Harbour Trophy.
Presented in 1986 to mark the first occasion that North Harbour and Auckland played each other other.
Brian Purdy Battle of the Bridge Memorial Trophy.
Brian was Chairman of the North Harbour Rugby Union and a Blues Board member from 1996 to 2000 and appointed to NZ Rugby’s Board in 2001. This trophy has a lot of symbolism as it is an original part of the Auckland Harbour Bridge structure. Brian passed away in March 2002 and this trophy was first presented in 2003.
Both of these trophies will be on the line this Sunday, and will be presented to the winning captain(s) at the aftermatch by Brian’s 2 grandsons – Caleb and Jacob Wharepouri, twin sons of Jeni and Michael.
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