Counties Manukau secured a hard-fought victory over Hawke’s Bay to retain the Ranfurly Shield in a tense National Provincial Championship (NPC) match played in Pukekohe. Despite finishing the season in 12th place on the table, the home team delivered a strong defensive performance to close out the campaign with a win.

The match featured sustained pressure from Hawke’s Bay, who orchestrated an extended 16-phase attack deep inside Counties Manukau’s territory. However, repeated offside penalties prevented the visitors from capitalizing on their dominance. The home side’s defense was repeatedly tested, but they managed to hold firm, aided by a costly handling error from Jacob Devery following a quick tap which disrupted Hawke’s Bay’s momentum.

Points finally came in the 60th minute when Darby Lancaster broke away on the left wing, driving the visitors deep into Counties Manukau’s half. Yet, despite their persistent aggression, the Magpies were unable to convert their pressure into a decisive score, hampered by handling errors at crucial moments.

As the final siren approached, Hawke’s Bay earned a penalty that set them up for a lineout in a promising attacking position. Still, a critical knock-on allowed Counties Manukau to regain possession, clear the ball safely, and secure the victory. The outcome sparked celebrations among fans at Pukekohe, reflecting relief and pride in the team’s defensive resilience.

Counties Manukau’s retention of the Ranfurly Shield ensures they will hold the prestigious trophy over the summer, capping off a challenging season with a morale-boosting win. The result exemplified the team’s ability to withstand sustained pressure and make the most of their defensive opportunities despite inconsistencies with ball handling.