Sport at its best when it unites us

During my brief and terribly average rugby playing days for the Tech under-21s I got caught in a maul only once - and I did not like it at all.

I was more slight of stature then and playing on the wing, so being thrust into an angry washing machine filled with flailing boots, knees and arms was not my cup of tea.

I was caught up in another maul last Monday but this one was my cup of tea.

There was some jostling and pushing as the participants sought a better position on the field of play, which also doubled as the Hawke's Bay Airport terminal, to witness something very special.

The Magpies had returned to the roost after a brief migration south, and brought the country's greatest rugby prize with them.

A landscape of black and white hats, scarves, jerseys and great smiles, along with singing and a sea of outstretched arms holding image-snapping cellphones greeted the players.

It was as if a boy band had arrived.

However, the more mature audience on show ruled that out although one woman, bedecked in the obligatory black and white, declared: "They're like rock stars."

Slightly weary rock stars who had five days to prepare for their next big outdoor gig.

The lifting of the Ranfurly Shield after so very long away has galvanised the region.

For now, the banners and placards announcing that an individual is standing for public office in the upcoming local body elections have been eclipsed by cars toting magpie flags, shops hanging black and white balloons at the doors, and adding a Magpies playing jersey to their window displays.

And people (of a certain age of course) are reminiscing about the "great days" when we held it aloft during the late 1960s, and even likening last Sunday's victory against Otago as an event as significant as man landing on the moon.

"Everyone who watched that game will remember forever where they were that day," a local businessman told me, and I'm inclined to agree.

Sport, when it brings a strong, healthy and effervescent spirit to the community is a most wonderful thing.

It unites. It gives reason to smile and creates a feeling of pride.

Bottom line, that is what sport is really all about. Sure, it's a professional and commercial entity these days, but when you see little kids bouncing with joy waving their magpie flags then you know there is something special in the air.

The Log of Wood does that and we are blessed to have won it. For how long is the big unknown, but here it is in black and white. Hawke's Bay won the Ranfurly Shield.

Good on you boys, and whatever happens in the hours and days to come be very satisfied and proud that you lifted and lightened an entire province.