So heartening to see a big muster braving the shocking conditions at McLean Park on Thursday. A big win at 58-7 but a mud and guts, heartland rugby at its best, writes Mark Story.

Should anything happen injury-wise to Ihaia West and Andrew Horrell during the ITM Cup, Magpies head coach Craig Philpott will be able to slip the collar off without any anxiety.

Hawke's Bay Magpies rugby hooker Ash Dixon will start for the Maori All Blacks against Fiji in Suva tomorrow.

It was disturbing to hear reports of a sporting incident recently where an 11-year-old boy decided the best plan of action was to attack the referee, writes Roger Moroney.