Rugby: Call to pack McLean Park for Magpies' last game of season

The Magpies hope to have McLean Park full this weekend as they take on the Manawatu Turbos on Sunday in their last game of the season. Photo/ Duncan Brown.

The Magpies will be floating around the community tomorrow ahead of their final game against the Manawatu Turbos on Sunday.

After a difficult season the local rugby team want to finish on a high and hope the community will get right behind them.

Tomorrow at the Napier Soundshell the team will be there from 10.30am until 12pm to answer questions, have photos and sign autographs. There will also be poster giveaways, games on the lawn, face painting and a range of spot prizes including signed rugby balls, game tickets, movie vouchers and Pita Pit vouchers.

Commercial manager Jay Campbell said it was a chance for the whole community to get up, close and personal with the players and wish them well for what is a huge game on Sunday.

The match is for the K R Tremain Trophy, which Hawke's Bay currently holds and Mr Campbell said they wanted to "pack the park".

"We are very keen to retain the trophy and get people along to McLean Park. Hopefully its a lovely day as it would be a great opportunity, being the final day of the school holidays, to support our local team."

He said it would be an action-packed afternoon with a variety of entertainment on offer.

The afternoon starts at 2.30pm with the curtain-raiser between the Hawke's Bay Ross Shield and Wai Bush Under 13 sides, which will then be followed the Lowe Rescue Helicopter flying in. There will also be their usual game-day activitations including Rippa Rugby, face painting and giveaways and prizes to be won.

Mr Campbell said the entertainment would continue throughout the game with Big Barrel running the halftime challenge through their Undie Run. People can enter on their Facebook page and competitors will be announced on Friday.

Rather than simply wind the season down, they have decided to ramp things up with ticket sales too and are offering some $7.50 stand tickets as they hope to "Pack The Park".

"We have had a great response so far with our crowd already exceeding what we had for the Taranaki game and I think we will be out in force come Sunday."

For those who can't get across to Napier tomorrow a couple of the Magpies will also be at K-Mart from about 3pm for autographs and photos. They will also be at the Wakely Shield at Tareha Park during the day.

Gates open at 2.30pm and kick-off for the Magpies against the Turbos is 4.35pm. Tickets can be purchased via: www.ticketdirect.co.nz/event/season/1518.