Mount Albert Grammar claimed the Auckland 1A 1st Xv title this afternoon in a scintillating final at Eden Park.

The 15-13 victory over Sacred Heart took all 70 minutes to secure, their opposition fighting to the bitter end in effort to steal the win.

As the score suggests it was an incredible close encounter, taking 20 minutes for the first points to be scored. Sacred Heart fullback Ben Engels slotting a long range penalty to give his school a 3-0 lead.

It was the MAGS captain that stepped up to the plate to get his team on the score board, on the stroke of half time Waimana Reidlinger-Kapa burrowed over the try live for the only try of the opening stanza. Niven Longopoa converted to take a 7-3 lead into the break.

After a slow burning first half, the second spell exploded into action.

Sacred Heart winger Melino Huihui'uia broke through the MAGS defence to score, Engels converted and followed up with a penalty to put his side in front 13-7.

MAGS clawed back three points through the boot of Longopoa, trailing 13-10 early in the half.

They were able to take the lead midway through, player of the day Isaiah Papali'i powering over to put MAGS in front. While the conversion was not on target, the two point lead was all that was required.

Sacred Heart had a chance to steal the win, a 90 metre movement saw them right on the MAGS line but the last pass was lost forward.

The title will see MAGS progress to play Westlake Boys next week, the winner of that encounter going on to the National Top 4 competition.

Earlier in the day Tamaki College and Liston College battled it out to a 17 all draw, sharing the 1B title.