Club rugby has a pulse. A powerful, healthy pulse. This is despite it being continually neglected, with funding chopped off by those who run the code, and has had to rely on the most selfless of volunteers to survive.But as was shown at the Shute Shield grand final on Saturday, it provides a vital core to the game. It is where so many discover and develop their love of the code. It continues to produce talent for the professional level. And as it involves intense tribalism, it really means something.That it still has a major impact has to be applauded when as the Sydney Rugby Union chairman and president Rob Millner explained in the match program that this years funding from the Australian Rugby Union (had been) cut to zero.You can have your many and varied professional competitions, with cobbled together teams. But for the bulk of the 10,000 or so who were at North Sydney Oval, they would say that the highlight of their season was witnessing this rollicking club final. It was where they can show their true allegiances.As delighted were those involved in the 7Two free-to-air television coverage, who have been enthused with their club rugby figures all season, where in NSW only they have been averaging 65-70,000 viewers per game.It was a highly emotional day. When the teams ran out- there were on-field scuffles among supporters from various clubs- not just the grand-finalists- who had formed tunnels for both sides. And it finished with a crowd invasion before the end of the game in the last minute, when hundreds hopped the fence and made a mad dash down the field to enjoy the moment when one of Sydney rugbys longest droughts ended. The final involved one of the powerhouses of the local game- Sydney University- which in recent times had become accustomed to accumulating premierships- seven Shute Shield titles in the past decade.Up against them was one of the competitions battlers- Northern Suburbs- an organisation which has had its tough times, but always boasted a strong club spirit. Nonetheless they had been under-achievers for some time- not having enjoyed Shute Shield success since 1975, or had appeared in a grand final since 1998.So the Norths diehards arrived at their home ground, buoyant about a lineup that had won 12 games straight to make the grand final, but with reservations, as they were aware of the difficulties of having to confront an opposition long accustomed to success.Among them were Norths Test representatives, including Al Baxter and Richard Tombs, while there was a sighting of their current Wallaby- Adam Ashley-Cooper- on the Hill. In the stands were representatives of Norths 1975 premiership team, including their captain Reg Smith, who long ago at the Sydney Sportsground had defeated an impressive Parramatta side that had Ray Price who was about to head to the league ranks.And like any good final, which must have its heroes and villains, they had someone to jeer on Saturday. In the Sydney University side was Tom Carter, long-time Waratah, playing his last game. For years, he has polarised crowds, irritating many with his on-field aggression and often masterful sledging skills. So the anti-Carter chants began.Carter had his moment of retaliation, when after Norths had dominated the first half, he scored after the break right in front of their cheer squad in the Charlie Macartney Stand. With it a fist pump aimed at both the Norths and University fans.It looked as if it had the desired effect, as University again scored shortly after to take the lead 15-13. But Norths, as they have done so many times this season, rallied, breaking through twice, including in the final minute that prompted the crowd swarm. A conversion still had to be taken, but due to the chaos, referee Will Houston had no option but to call full-time.After the game, Carter impressed many with his gracious words, explaining that the Shoremen fully deserved the Shute Shield and that it was a fitting way to end a 41-year famine.But it was still a tough moment.I suppose Ive made a lot of people happy in Sydney tonight going out a loser, Carter said as Norths were being presented with the Shute Shield.Its a shit way to finish your career, I guess. But Ive given it my all. I didnt play for Australia, and I didnt win a grand final in my last game. I still love the game and its given me a lot.Nearby on the field, Reg Smith was delighted he had witnessed such an important club moment and a day that reminded all how crucial this level of the game remains.They are a fabulous side, as theyve come from behind so many times to win, Smith said. They are so gutsy, so spirited. It wont be 40 odd years before we win another one, thats for sure.Its days like these which shows how much spirit there is in club rugby. Its all very well for the 0.1 per cent of the guys who make a living out of rugby, but for the rest this is the real heart and soul of the game.Thankfully there were ARU officials in attendance. After witnessing such a vibrant finale, it would have been impossible for them to ignore the fact that club rugby is alive, well and kicking... but most importantly deserves greater support. Or just some support. Discount NBA Jerseys . No. 13-seeded John Isner and No. 21 Philipp Kohlschreiber were among six players who dropped out of the tournament on Tuesday, joining No. 12 seed Tommy Haas and two other players who withdrew on Monday. NBA Jerseys Outlet . Miikka Kiprusoff had just announced his retirement after a decade-long run in Calgary and it would be up to Berra and Ramo to fill the void. https://www.nbachinajerseys.us/ . To the surprise of many, it isnt the Wolverines but their in-state rivals the Michigan State Spartans. Stitched NBA Jerseys . Already owning gold from competition in Vancouver in 2010, Loch posted a combined four-run time of 3:27.526. That included a track-record third run of 51. Cheap NBA Jerseys . Laudrup revealed Thursday he was notified of his dismissal in "the briefest of letters which gave no reasons why such hasty and final action was deemed necessary. Alex Stewart, a heavyweight contender who fought Mike Tyson and nearly beat George Foreman, has died. He was 52.Stewart died last week after being rushed to a hospital in Mount Vernon, N.Y., said Mike Gilberg, a close friend of the former fighter. He had a blood clot in his lung, Gilberg said.One day he wasnt feeling good, the next this happened, Gilberg said.Stewart fought in a golden time for heavyweight boxing, and he fought almost all the big names of his time. A perennial contender, he was never able to win the big fights of his career but had a reputation as a smart and tough fighter.Stewart lost twice to Evander Holyfield, and was knocked out in the first round of his December 1990 fight with Tyson. But it was his April 1992 fight with Foreman in Las Vegas that was the highlight of his career.Foreman was in the middle of a comeback that he would cap two years later by knocking out Michael Moorer to become the oldest man to win the heavyweight championship at the age of 45 when he met Stewart in a scheduled 10-round bout.Foreman knocked Stewart down twice in the second round and was battering him in the third, when Foreman motioned to referee Richard Steele to stop the fight. But Steele let it continue, and Stewart began pummeling Foreman around tthe ring.ddddddddddddI thought I had him in the third round but the referee let it go on, Foreman said. I didnt want to hurt the kid and now the kid hurt me.Stewart would lose a controversial majority decision, but it was Foreman who looked like loser after the fight with his face hidden behind large sunglasses.Was that a fight or was that a fight? Stewart asked reporters afterward.Stewart lost his second fight to Holyfield the next year, then spent the remainder of his career mostly as an opponent for younger fighters to measure themselves against. He retired with a record of 43-10 with 40 knockouts after losing his last fight in 1999 to Jorge Luis Gonzalez by second round knockout.Stewart was born in London and raised in Jamaica and fought for Jamaica in the 1984 Olympics before turning pro.Gilberg said after retiring from boxing Stewart was a driver for a liquor distributor in the New York City area, and later worked in a factory making boxes for the same company.Gilberg said the fighter is survived by his wife, Angella, and a daughter, Ajay-Tenille. Services will be held Nov. 29 at the Pelham Funeral Home in Pelham, N.Y. ' ' '