Taupo AFC confirmed their status as 2018 Loaded WaiBOP Premiership champions in emphatic style on Saturday, defeating relegated Mercury Tokoroa 7-1 to ensure they can now not be caught.

Papamoa's home draw with Waikato Unicol last weekend, along with Wanderers' expulsion due to their series of defaults, opened the door for Taupo and they needed no second invitation, rendering next Saturday's match between the league's top two sides essentially meaningless.

Fin Smith, naturally, scored for the Lakesiders on Saturday, helping himself to a brace, while the rest of the goals were spread between Toby Tullet, Robert Williams, Max Duckworth, Matthew Lewis and Eli Smith.

Taupo's win also ensured they kept the Federation Challenge Shield for the summer, completing a notable double for the men in blue.

Papamoa gained the three points they needed to jump into second, their highest ever Premiership finish, when Tauranga Boys' College became the latest side to default a fixture.

Photo: Taupo AFC.