The Hawke's Bay Magpies demonstrated why they are a force to be reckoned with this season, successfully defending the Ranfurly Shield with a commanding 55-30 victory over a spirited Northland Taniwha in an exciting Friday night clash.

It wasn’t all smooth sailing for the Magpies as ill-discipline cost them early in the first half with three penalty goals from Taniwha fly-half Rivez Reihana that had Northland leading 9-0.

The Magpies were the first to cross the chalk when hooker Jacob Devery powered his way over for the first five pointer of the game. Northland responded quickly with Tevita Latu regaining their 9 point lead. However, the Magpies regained momentum, closing out the first half with three tries—Lincoln McClutchie, Ben O'Donnell (set up by a brilliant cross-field kick from McClutchie), and Sam Smith—sending them into the break with a 26-16 advantage.

The start of the second half saw the Magpies carry on with their momentum from before half time with McClutchie scoring again thanks to a cheeky backdoor offload from Folau Fakatava. The Magpies were firmly in the driver’s seat in the game extending their lead 33-17.

Northland refused to back down, narrowing the gap through a well-executed lineout play that saw captain Matt Moulds score in the corner. However, the Magpies soon flipped the switch again, with another cross-field kick finding Ben O'Donnell for his second try of the match. Sam Smith also bagged his second after a quick tap penalty from Fakatava set up a series of powerful pick-and-go phases, resulting in another Magpies try.

With 20 minutes to go, the score was 45-23 and it seemed as though the Magpies would keep the Shield safe another day.

Northland had one final crack, with Blues halfback Sam Nock crossing the line with 15 to play, but the Magpies were too dominant. Two more tries from Tyrone Thompson and 

Matt Protheroe sealed the victory, firmly establishing the Magpies as serious contenders in this Bunnings NPC season.

Full Time Score - 55-30

Source: Corban Boyd