2013 – ITM CUP - NZ's 3rd Tier Competition

[2bluesfan]

The Makos played well tonight - excellent set piece execution, great support play, exciting tries. They are a great team to watch when they pout it all together like they did today.

 

[Hugh Jarse]

They take the Ranfurly Shield pretty seriously in NZ.

Sell out crowd at the Hawkes Bay vs Counties Manakau game. Hakas and everything. Crowd very engaged.

Without the shield at stake, the crowd would probably be about 1/2 the number.

 

[Chiefton]

Waikato are kak this year. They will do well to avoid relegation I'd say.

My brother's and I are of the opinion that it would be a good thing onfield in the short term.

 

[Hugh Jarse]

And the Ranfurly shield moves north to Counties for their first time apparently.

Hawkes Bay beaten in a game where the lead changed about 5 times. 27 Counties, 24 Hawkes Bay.

 

[FrankLind]

Counties have just won the Shield for the first time in their history.

 

[Chiefton]

Eating a huge slice of humble pie at the moment with a fairly empty wallet as well.
Well done Counties.

 

[Dam0]

Amazing stuff.

In 3 weekends we have broken over 150 years of Ranfurly Shield drought.

 

[Hugh Jarse]

^^^^ and several turnover records at pubs and clubs in Otago, Hawkes Bay and Counties as well.

 

[Dan54]

Well my Dad will be smiling from up above, his beloved Counties finally have done it.

 

[crangs81]

As a Waikato fan I was slutted when we lost the shield to Otago but quite happy for them. Happier for Hawkes Bay when they won and Counties winning it has made my day

 

[waiopehu oldboy]

Eating a huge slice of humble pie at the moment with a fairly empty wallet as well.
Well done Counties.

Counties last 2 home games are v the 'naki who got dusted today by the Jafas, then Waikato so you may yet see the shield back in the Tron for the summer.

 

[waiopehu oldboy]

Well my Dad will be smiling from up above, his beloved Counties finally have done it.

Any idea how 'nua went in Waikanae today?

 

[Hugh Jarse]

Now wouldn't that be the circle of life if the Shield returned to the Mooloos.

 

[crangs81]

Counties last 2 home games are v the 'naki who got dusted today by the Jafas, then Waikato so you may yet see the shield back in the Tron for the summer.

The way they're going I think we'll see a female Pope at the Vatican before that happens...

 

[waiopehu oldboy]

The way they're going I think we'll see a female Pope at the Vatican before that happens.

I did say "may" lol

 

[waiopehu oldboy]

Stuff.co.nz are saying the Bay's tenure of 5 days is the shortest ever but didn't
South Canty once hold it for 3 days? Took it off Marlborough midweek & lost it to Wellington on Saturday?

 

[Dan54]

Any idea how 'nua went in Waikanae today?

No haven't heard yet Old Boy, hey I was 1st aid man for Waipehu in late 80s.
Must find out about Nua, brother in law was going down to game.

 

[Dan54]

Nua beat King Country 19-18 , they apparently middle of table.

 

[waiopehu oldboy]

Nua beat King Country 19-18 , they apparently middle of table.

Big party @ Athletic club rooms tonight?

 

[Hugh Jarse]

Catching up on some ITM cup games recorded onm the IQ. Lions (Wellington) vs Taniwha (Northland)

two thoughts spring to mind:

Savea Junior (RD) is seriously good. Another year or two of getting knocked around in Club and Soup and he could be yet another of the AIG's #7 production factory output.

I love some of the NZ names. Not blind obedience to American sports imperalism. How do you think the Septics would handle the names of Denver Taniwha or Washington Taniwha in the NFL or NHA or whatever world championships they hold over there.

We need more <insert team> Bandicoots or <insert team> Wombats in high profile teams, although I think <insert team> Sea Horses may be a little light on in the intimidation/motivation stakes.