Former All Black Zac Guildford scored two tries as the Hawke's Bay Magpies rugby team retained the Ranfurly Shield with a 58-7 victory against Wairarapa Bush at Napier's McLean Park today.
It was Guildford's first outing for the Magpies since returning from his stint with Clermont in France. His latefather Robert was a former Wairarpa Bush representative.
His first try in the 19th minute followed some good inter-passing between the Magpies backs and forwards. Fullback Guildford used his gas to get on the outside of the Bush defence to score his second in the 65th minute.
Twelve of the Magpies, including eight in the starting XV, were making their first class debuts for the hosts. One of them, first five-eighth Tyrone Elkington-MacDonald, scored 21 points with a try and five conversions and two penalties from as many attempts at goal in challenging weather conditions.
Magpies lock, Trent Boswell-Wakefield, produced a player-of-the-match performance in his 50th first class match for the Bay. Prop Jarvy Aoake and No 8 Joseph Penitito were others to impress in a Magpies pack which predictably dominated set piece play.
Bush coach Josh Syms had every right to be proud of the manner in which his Heartland Championship oputfit stayed in the fight against last year's ITM Cup Championship runners-up.
"It's better than 97-3 as it has been in previous challenges. We're hoping to improve on our second to last placings in the Heartland this year and if we build on today's display we will have a good chance," Syms said.
Captain and first five-eighth Tim Priest and winger Ryan Saunders were full of adventure in the visiting backline while No 8 Johnie McFadzean toiled tirelessly.
