The final was shifted by one month from its normal date in early September, being played in October for the first time. Gisborne was expected to win the trophy, being on paper as the stronger side, with internationals
Grant Turner,
Kenny Cresswell and
Colin Walker all in their line-up. In the final, however, it was
Manurewa who proved the sturdier side. Largely through the efforts of keeper Rudi Feitsma the soaked up the Gisborne pressure, while swift breaks saw Manurewa score twice with a brace from
Steve Sumner in the 11th and 28th minutes. A strike from Cresswell in the 80th minute gave the East Coast side some hope of a comeback, but it was too late to save the day. ==Results==