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Sport | Hawke's Bay

Hawkes Bay thrash Otago to defend Ranfurly Shield

Hawkes Bay easily defended the Ranfurly Shield in their first defence match last night, thrashing Otago at McLean Park.

On the road since lifting the Log o' Wood from Counties-Manukau, the Magpies showed just why they're one of the top teams in the competition, beating the visitors 41-0.

No one would have thought the Hawkes Bay’s defence of the Ranfurly Shield would be so simple.

In the first minute, the home side showed they would fight to keep the shield at home, scoring in the left corner.

Ryan Tongia scored again at the opposite end of the field and it didn’t stop there.  Hawke's Bay crossed the try line another three times to lead at half-time, 31–0.

In the second half, the visitors came close to the line, but couldn’t quite get on the board.

Hawke's Bay didn’t have any difficulty scoring yet another try.

For the first time in 31 years, Otago didn’t post up a point in a match in this competition.  Bay of Plenty will be Hawkes Bay’s next opponent to play for the Shield this Saturday.