A hat-trick from young striker Callum McCowatt has led Eastern Suburbs to their first national football title since 1971, defeating Team Wellington 3-0 at North Harbour Stadium.
Taking less than seven minutes to open the scoring, McCowatt - already the competition's leading scorer with 18 - caught Team Wellington keeper Scott Basalaj completely off-guard, firing a shot into the net from a tight angle, aided by the near post.
McCowatt would add both his and Suburbs' second before halftime, curling a stunning shot into the top left corner of the net.
Team Wellington were rocked by an injury to captain Aaron Clapham, who copped a knee to the face in the second half, taken to hospital for treatment.
The young striker would have his treble in the second half, as Suburbs hit Team Wellington on the break, rifling a third shot past Basalaj once more for his 21st goal of the season, McCowatt dribbling from inside the opposition half before his shot was deflected into the net.
McCowatt could have had a fourth in injury time, only for Basalaj to this time make a save, Mohamed Ahwad's follow up shot sailing wide of the target.
At the other end, Team Wellington had a chance to at least grab a consolation effort, only to see Angus Kilkolly thwarted by Suburbs keeper Andrew Withers.
In the end, Suburbs' lead would prove too much for Team Wellington to overcome, the Aucklanders sealing the title with a convincing victory.
The win means Eastern Suburbs have booked their spot in next season's Oceania Champions League.
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