The tense win at Carisbrook this afternoon has ended a long wait for the club, whose only previous premier title was in 1955, when Taieri shared the banner with University A. It is even more special considering the Eels only returned to the premier competition in 2009 after pulling out in 2001.
Up against a Harbour club desperate for its first premier title and riding the momentum of last week's upset semifinal win over competition favourites Southern, Taieri was behind 6-0 at halftime in the tryless contest.
In front of a crowd of 4000, Taieri pulled in front in the second half but had to dig deep when skipper Charlie O'Connell was yellow-carded following a scrap and spent 10 minutes in the bin.
The final was part of a day of rugby festivities to say goodbye to Carisbrook, culminating in the ITM Cup match between Otago and Southland.
