Tauranga East have survived a late comeback from intercity rivals Tauranga West to lift the Tai Mitchell Shield 25-24 in Rotorua.

The close win sees the shield shift hands between the two finalists with Tauranga West winning the 2013 edition of the Tai Mitchell Rugby Tournament.

Tauranga East and West contest a lineout during the Tai Mitchell final at Rotorua International Stadium.

The annual Bay of Plenty-wide primary school tournament for boys up to Year 8 dates back to the first tournament in 1938.

A total of 10 teams contested for the title; defending champions Tauranga West, Rotorua Maroon, Apanui, Te Puke, Whakatane, Rotorua Gold, Tauranga East, Opotiki, Rangitaiki and Galatea.

Leading 20-5 at the break after a commanding first half, Tauranga East managed to hold out Tauranga West in a classic game of two halves.

Starting strong, Tauranga East jumped out of the blocks with two tries in the opening 10 minutes - through their No. 8 and slick outside back play – before a further two tries to stun the defending champions.

But Tauranga West were not done, rallying through its forwards and scoring four tries of its own to give Tauranga East a scare.

Unfortunately the side's last conversion, seven minutes from time, sailed wide leaving the scores poised at 25-24 with West attacking furiously to edge ahead in the final minutes to no avail.

A spokesperson for the Tauranga West side says the players are bitterly disappointed in not securing back-to-back titles, but can take pride in the gallant comeback mounted.