Ranfurly Shield stays put in the Bay
Unlike last year, where the Magpies held the Log o' Wood for just six days, Hawke's Bay will enjoy a longer Shield tenure after defeating Otago 41-0.
Otago, who played their third game in nine days, looked fatigued against the Ranfurly Shield holders – who were determined to ensure that the famous trophy remained at McLean Park and the local surroundings for at least another week.
It was the Magpies 48th successful defence of the Log o' Wood, and first during this tenure.
While it is still some way off the 24 matches that the incomparable Hawke's Bay team of the 1920s held the Shield for, a magnificent five-year reign which wouldn't be bettered until Auckland in 1963 went one better, it is a promising start.
* In the other Sunday match Waikato won their third game of the season to move into the NPC Premiership top four.
Following a blistering start to the contest in Hamilton, The Mooloo Men did enough to hold off Counties for a 26-21 victory.
Sunday's scores and scorers
Waikato 26-21 Counties Manukau
Waikato:
Tries: Webber 3, Edwardson
Cons: McKenzie 3
Counties:
Tries: Tuala, Pulu 2
Cons: Tuala 3
Hawke's Bay 41-0 Otago (RS)
Hawke's Bay:
Tries: Tongia 2, O'Connor, Chase, Buckman, Long
Cons: West 4
Pen: West
Otago:
None
