Magpies back where they belong
Mission accomplished ... the Hawke's Bay Magpies rugby side are back where they belong, in the Mitre 10 Cup Premiership.
Well that's if the current format continues next year. If it does the Magpies will be more than competitive as they proved yet again with tonight's 36-24 win against the Northland Taniwha in the Championship final played in front of 7,500 fans at Napier's MxcLean Park.
As expected the Magpies had too much depth, patience, composure and discipline for the Taniwha who haven't won a final since 1997.
Yes there was a shaky start from the hosts with the conceding of some silly early turnovers. But normal transmission resumed in the second half and by the 51st minute the Magpies were on track to win the Championship for the first time since 2015.
"The boys were a little bit nervous and tried too hard in the first half," captain and hooker Ash Dixon admitted afterwards.
"We took a while to settle but fought hard, stayed in the fight and managed to get momentum in the second half. I couldn't be more proud of this team," Dixon said.
His Maori All Black teammate, in-form winger Jonah Lowe (pictured below), who scored two tries was elated.
"It was a great game from the boys. This title was our main goal from the start of the year. To have the cup and the Ranfurly Shield at the end of the season is pretty rewarding."
He intends to celebrate as much as he can with teammates over the weekend before his attention turns to the December 5 Maori All Blacks clash with Moana Pasifika in Hamilton.
"We're lucky Ash will be driving us to Hamilton," Lowe added.
Once again outstanding halfback Folau Fakatava, who will be playing for Moana Pasifika, was the Magpies player of the march. There were no passengers in the hosts side and all 23 players as well as the extended squad players, coaching staff, management, medical team and administration have every right to be proud of what has been achieved.
Northland again boxed above their weight for long periods. Among those prominent for the Taniwha were flanker Tom Robinson, until retiring injured, prop Luatangi Li, centre Rene Ranger and winger Jone Macilai.
Match facts:
Heartstopper: When Magpies second five-eighth Neria Fomai dropped the kick off after scoring his 15th minute try. Northland scored two minutes later and remained in the hunt longer than they should have but fortunately it didn't impact on the final result.
Turning point: When Fomai scored his second try in the 50th minute after a superb break from halfback Folau Fakatava. This gave the Magpies a 31-17 lead and the Taniwha were gone.
Player of the match: Fakatava for the fourth time this season. Outstanding options on attack, clever try assists and busy on defence.
Scorers:
Hawke's Bay 36 (Jonah Lowe 2, Neria Fomai 2, Lolag Visinia, Ash Dixon tries; Lincoln McClutchie 2, Caleb Makene cons), Northland 24 (Luatangi Li, Tom Robinson, Will Grant, Tamati Tua tries; Dan Hawkins, Johnny Cooper cons). HT: 17-all.
