RSA shares memorabilia ahead of challenge

REFLECTING: t Chris Harold takes a moment to reflect upon the RSA's Ranfurly Shield display. PHOTO/MICHAEL CUNNINGHAM

More than 60 years' worth of loved and well-kept Northland rugby memorabilia is on display at the Whangarei RSA ahead of Northland's Ranfurly Shield match against Hawke's Bay in Napier tomorrow.

As a timely reminder of the impact the Shield's presence has had upon the Northland community during its four visits between 1950-79, Whangarei RSA president Chris Harold said the door was open for those wishing to bask in memories of golden days gone-by.

"The sort of thing that really hit me was a lot of the names you still hear bandied around now," he said.

Some of the names Mr Harold referred to include the likes of the Going brothers - Sid, Ken and Brian - Dennis Panther, Joe Morgan, Les Bradley and Muru Walters to name a few.

"There's been photos of them and information which you just don't realise how long they've been involved," Mr Harold said.

The items narrowly avoided the skip; an RSA member rescuing them from being lost forever. He has graciously offered them to adorn the walls of the RSA - although he wishes to remain anonymous.

"It's just good to see it and to have been rescued from basically being dumped. Somebody has used a bit of initiative and kept it," Mr Harold said.

"There's just so many names, a lot of people would have forgotten them, but there would be still a lot of people around that would know those names."

With the display up indefinitely, he wasn't sure if it would remain up for long unless Northland manage to bring the Shield back to Northland should they be triumphant over Hawke's Bay.

"I certainly hope they do," he said. "It'd be good for Whangarei and the North to get it back here."

Mr Harold insisted that if people want to come along, grab a handle of amber nectar and reflect on Northland's Ranfurly Shield history, as well as watch the game live, the club will be open from 2.30pm tomorrow. "It's about time we got it back again. Members of the public are more than welcome to come down, we can sign them in as a visitor and they can have a beer - we'd love to see them."