Editorial: Premiership bell tolls for Magpies

Okay, let's just leave the subject of amalgamation alone for now, given the overwhelming response to last month's referendum.

But let's talk regional.

Let's not talk Napier or Hastings or Wairoa or Waipukurau ... let's talk Hawke's Bay.

And let's talk about Australian immigrants.

Or (if you were to take a close look at the label on a scarf I am known to wear on the right occasions) the Collingwood AFL club out of Melbourne.

Magpies - both of them.

Now just why the Hawke's Bay Rugby Union adopted a magpie as it emblem/mascot way back in distant times when everything was indeed black and white is anyone's guess.

But hey, a magpie is great on attack and will defend stoutly when threatened.

Our lads in black and white stoutly defended the Ranfurly Shield for 11 defences, before the noisy bell-ringers of moo-cow land snuck it away last Saturday.

It was a test for everyone.

The silence of the crowds as they left for their cars and buses.

The black and white-painted cheeks of the little kids were ever-so-slightly dampened.

All you could hear was ... damned cow bells.

I was going to call noise control but, hey, you have to take some things on the chin.

But while that cabinet at Magpie HQ may have been emptied, it has allowed room for another occupant - the ITM Championship Trophy.

So while the loss of the log of wood may have drawn a dark cloud, light is still there.

The season is over for most teams but not the Magpies because they have the word "Premiership" in their sights.

The "other" Bay is back in town today and they too have the same target, as they battle for the honour to take part in the final, so McLean Park will go off big-time from 2.30 this afternoon.

As the Bay's commercial manager, Jay Campbell said, they need every last shred of black and white spread around the landscape.

Celebrations are still in the wind and, hey, if we step into the Premiership for next season our possible clash with Waikato will be an "away" one.

Ooh, if they still have the shield then ...