The shield is back in the bay and finals footy is under way! The Magpies had swooped up the Ranfurly shield in their last regular season game of the NPC in the highly anticipated rematch against The Wellington Lions after they took the shield from us last year. The final score of this thrilling match was 18 –20. 

Looking to start the quarter finals strong and to avenge their loss earlier this season in the Battle of The Bays, The Magpies took on Bay of Plenty at Tauranga Domain on Sunday 8th October. The Magpies took a convincing win and set a statement for the rest of the finals with the final score of 38 – 28. The Hawke’s Bay Autoglass Magpie of the Match went to Pouri Rakete-Stones who was a man on a mission in the match.  

In the semi-finals, The Magpies travelled back down to Wellington to take on the lions in another thrilling rematch. With the score one win each now between the two sides, this match here was the decider in this rivalry. The Magpies took a 25-24 win over the defending champions and advanced to the Bunnings Warehouse National Provincial Championship Grand Final ever. Devan Flanders earned The Hawke’s Bay Autoglass Magpie of the Match in a dominate performance.  

This Saturday, history will be decided for The Bay as they take on The Taranaki Bulls at Yarrow Stadium, New Plymouth at 2:05pm. The Magpies have won the last 4 consecutive away games and are looking to add one more to this tally. The 2023 season for The Bay has been one for the ages with 6 of their 12 wins being won by 3 points or less. One thing for sure is that this final will leave you on the edge of your seat so get behind and support the boys in Black and White as they look to win the Bunnings National Provincial Championship for the first time! 

Article added: Wednesday 18 October 2023