By Di O’Connell
The battle for the Ranfurly Shield has produced an epic game of rugby between holders Southland and strugglers North Harbour in Invercargill.
Harbour played their best game of the season to all but steal the shield but it wasn't enough as the Stags squeezed in a last gasp try to win 25-23, keeping provincial rugby's most prized trophy in the Deep South.
North Harbour started more like a wild animal caught in the headlights as they were overrun by the Stags.
But straight away they picked themselves up again.
A length of the field counter attack followed and Harbour had a shock 20 to seven lead at the break.
Southland sorely needed to score first after half time, 11 points in front and with only 20 minutes to hold on it looked like the shield was heading north.
The log of wood holders chipped away to within five but lost another lineout to all but close the door.
With the shield on the line and two minutes left Southland could see it all slipping away.
Stopping the Stags was, in the end, a bridge too far for Harbour.
The southern men relieved, Harbour heartbroken.
The 25 to 23 defence sealed with a successful conversion.
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