Rugby: Harding Shield has new home

The Harding Shield. Photo / John Stone

Northern Wairoa/Rodney will have plenty to smile about after securing the Bayleys Harding Shield for the first time since 1978.

With a competitive display of footy, Northern Wairoa/Rodney ran away in a convincing 50-10 win over Mangonui to put an end to nearly 40 years of heartache.

Northern Wairoa/Rodney coach Mark Wells was over the moon about his team's ability to steal the show.

"We knew that Mangonui would be tough in the first half," Wells said.

"They put up a good fight [but] our fitness and structure made a big difference."

Standout performers in the Northern Wairoa/Rodney camp were Shane Neville, Matt Moulds, Sean Sweetman, Dan Hawkins and Matt Wright.

Mangonui's frontrowers Dane Rawiri and Bronson Murray stood out as key players.

Playing in front of a good crowd at Dargaville's Farmlands Park, Northern Wairoa/Rodney cruised to victory over Mangonui by running in three late tries inside the last 15 minutes.

Although the final score resembled a hefty loss, the score was 21-10 at halftime.

With the 101st edition of the Harding Shield done and dusted, Wells said his boys were keen to keep the trophy in its new home.