Editorial: Casting wide to get hands on the Shield

Magpies winger Mason Emerson scored a crucial try for the visitors off a clever cross kick from pivot Ihaia West. Photo / NZME

There were several highlights during the Magpies' first (and let's hope not the last) victory against Southland as part of the oddly structured two-tiered Mitre 10 Cup back on Thursday night.

But one of the best screen shots was that of a couple of grinning flag-waving Magpies supporters - suitably bedecked in their black and white jerseys and hats.

They were the only ones I saw, because getting on a bus and shooting down to Invercargill to catch 80 minutes of rugby is not exactly on the most hardened fan's agenda.

So yep, couple of Bay folks living down there in Shadboltville and they would have been delighted with the outcome.

As I daresay we all were as it has not been a fruitful season thus far with the oval ball.

But when the old back is against the wall and the nightmares about great rampaging demons from Canterbury eating magpies alive keep coming back to unsettle one's sleep then one looks on the bright side.

This "premier" and "championship" set-up is rather aimless as promotion and relegation means little, given a team in the championship will still end up playing a team in the premiership ... and even if you finish bottom of the second tier there's no relegation to the "heartland" stage.

So, the Ranfurly Shield is the great rugby target in my view ... so I did some match schedule searching and have come up with a competition angle which has buoyed my spirits immensely.

Firstly, we play Tasman here at home on September 24 and on that day in 1966 we took the shield off Waikato and kept it for three seasons.

Now, while we have a potential challenge against Waikato on October 8 they first have to defend it against Canterbury next Wednesday.

However, leaving the Canterbury angle aside for now, it should be pointed out that Taranaki have a shield challenge tomorrow and if they were to take it then their first defence there in New Plymouth will be Manawatu.

So then, if Manawatu were to step up and win it then their first defensive challenge down there in Palmy will be against ... Hawke's Bay on October 1.

Failing all that, and if Canterbury can't edge the Mooloos then we get that shot at it.

There is a script coming together here, I'm sure of it.

Just hope the Taranaki cast then the Manawatu cast can get the first two episodes right first.