The infamous pitch invasion, after many years, had returned.
Despite any initial pessimism following the mad rush come full time, there was a realisation that this act - this act often thought of in modern day sport to be annoying and unnecessary - was in fact a symbol of what the win meant to smaller unions.
It was the first main division title won by a non-Super Rugby city since 1980, when Manawatu famously claimed the title. The significance of Taranaki's 36-32 win, then, has no need to be questioned. The 34-year-old wait for one of the younger provincial brothers to have another moment in the sun was over.
For local fans, the win had everything - a steady start, an element of coming from behind and the mental fortitude needed to close out the game.
Referee Glen Jackson controlled the game well and the match was played at a great tempo. But he was never going to control the fans of all ages who jumped from all corners to celebrate a win for the province.
It was brilliant to see how much coverage our national provincial championships receive in the provinces despite annual questions of its relevance. The front page of the local paper was splashed with buildup coverage for an entire week heading into the big dance, while city streets, shop owners and patrons were all dressed up in the city's famous amber and black colours on game day.
But not everyone was happy with the side's make-up. This year, according to one article in the local paper, there were three players in the starting XV who grew up in the Taranaki region.
Yet despite the lack of home grown talent, there was a unity on the field - a team culture that reiterated the pride provincial New Zealand has of its local team.
It was there for everyone to see when Taranaki's Iopu Iopu-Aso came off some 18 minutes into the biggest match of his career. He sat on the bench in disarray. Then the medical assistant and a number of reserve players put their hands on his shoulders and head to console the dejected No.8.
Team culture was also a key factor in Tasman's revival over the last five years. It was summed up perfectly when they scored two late tries bring themselves back into contention for the first Championship-Premiership double in ITM Cup history.
The visitors should be proud of the way they played. The Makos forwards were superb and, led by inspirational captain Shane Christie, surprised a number of grandstand Taranaki fans when they shunted the hosts a number of times at the breakdown.
But it wasn't enough and the 22 Taranaki men, who were swallowed up by the thousands of pitch invaders as they hoisted the Premiership.
In an almost fitting side note, the only people who weren't actively paying attention as James Marshall lifted the Premiership were the children. Young nippers ranging from four years old to 14 were kicking rugby balls, charging down the sideline and scoring tries while the pleasantries were taking place.
Short term imports creating long term local depth. It looks as if the hosts have found a proven model to silence the doubters.
