Rugby: Ex Magpie retires after victory, aged 55

This is former New Zealand Maori and Hawke's Bay Magpies rugby halfback Paul Blake's second and last retirement story.

"That's definitely it. My playing and administration days are over but I will still be associated with the game," Blake said moments after players from his Taradale and opposing Maraenui division three sides honoured him with the popular Ngati Kahungunu haka Tika Tonu at Maraenui Park on Saturday.

Blake, 55, was a second half replacement in Taradale's 27-24 victory which saw the visitors capture the Ron Parker Memorial Trophy and hand the hosts their first loss in 34 matches.

"Today wasn't about ending Maraenui's unbeaten run ... it was about sticking to the game plan our tactical gurus Alby [coach Alby Baker] and Ryan [first five-eighth Ryan Lewis] gave us and the boys responded admirably," Blake explained.

"I never mentioned that r [retirement] word when the Clive boys presented me with that taonga four years ago. There was just talk at the time it could be my last season," Blake, who first played for Taradale in 1979, said.

"Just because you have a heart attack it doesn't mean you stop playing.

"You just get up again and keep going," said Blake, who played 65 first-class games for the Magpies from 1979-1986.

"It's great to see former premier players coming back and playing in this grade after a season or two's rest.

"That's what keeps this grade alive," Blake said.

One of those players, Lewis, a six-time Maddison Trophy winner's medal recipient and 1996-2001 Magpie, kicked 17 points, five penalties and a conversion, for Taradale on Saturday. Maraenui first five-eighth Vinnie Wildermoth took his season tally to 144 points. Three of his teammates, Bossie Forster, Thomas Wildermoth and Lance Wiparata have a combined tally of 600 appearances for their club, roughly the number of senior games Blake would have played during the past 33 years.