The Magpies successfully defended the Ranfurly Shield and extended their winning start to the 2024 season with a gutsy 31-17 victory over a determined Southland side.

From the outset, the Magpies set the tone with two early penalty goals from Lincoln McClutchie, establishing a 6-0 lead within the first twenty minutes. However, a misplaced lineout throw in the Magpies 22 gave Southland their first real opportunity to score.  Prop Morgan Mitchell barrelled over the line and gave the Stags a 7-6 lead.

The Magpies responded strongly in the latter part of the first half. Successive penalties put them in a prime position, and quick play saw Mat Protheroe touch down to the left of the uprights. Just before halftime, slick passing allowed Nick Grigg to exploit a gap and score, sending the Magpies into the break with a 16-7 lead.

The second half was a tight contest, as the wet conditions made ball retention challenging for both teams.  Southland struck first with a penalty goal ten minutes in off the boot of Byron Smith narrowing the gap to 16-10. The Magpies kept applying the pressure and something had to give, with a great break by Ben O’Donnell pulling the Stags defence to the left, giving enough room for Frank Lochore to score down the right-hand touch line, increasing the Magpies lead 21-10.

McClutchie would add another 3 points to the Magpies tally with 10 minutes to go and the Ranfurly Shield seemed all but secured for another day, however Southland wouldn’t give up. A penalty allowed them to advance inside the Magpies 22 and a perfectly weighted kick from Faletoi Peni set up Isaac Te Tamaki to score, closing the gap to 24-17.

In the final moments, as Southland pushed for a last-ditch effort, the ball was left loose at the edge of the ruck. Isiah Walker-Leawere seized the opportunity, popping the ball to Neria Fomai. Fomai sprinted down the right edge and set up Sam Wye, who scored the decisive try. McLean Park erupted in celebration as the Magpies sealed their victory and retained the Ranfurly Shield.

Final Score – 31-17 Magpies

Source: Corban Boyd

Article added: Tuesday 20 August 2024