Nineteenth time lucky for BOP

By ROSALEEN MacBRAYNE, ALAN PERROTT and JULIET ROWAN

Diehard Bay of Plenty supporters finally had something to cheer about yesterday when their team ended decades of gallant Ranfurly Shield defeats with an upset 33-28 win over Auckland at Eden Park.

Steamers fans from Auckland to Opotiki partied hard into the night in celebration of something that was once considered impossible - the minnows from Bay of Plenty sneaking one past the mighty Auckland, and in the big smoke as well.

The Log o' Wood travelled back to the Bay last night where the conquering heroes stopped at the World's End Sports Cafe in Tauranga.

"It was a great game and we're so proud of the team. There's a great buzz to have the shield," said the bar's manager, Boyd Mitchell.

It was an emotional day to be at Eden Park for Slim McCallion, the Mr Rugby of Opotiki.

"It's hard to describe the relief after years of trying," he said.

"Those guys chanced their arm for every player who has pulled the jersey on over the decades, for every supporter who has travelled miles to watch, and every administrator who has given up their time for the province. It just goes to show the shield will never die."

Tauranga Mayor Jan Beange said she was delighted by the win and hoped a civic reception and street march could be organised this week.

For former All Black and Bay of Plenty lock Gary Braid the match was hard to watch as he suffered from split loyalties. He wanted to back his son, Auckland flanker Daniel Braid, but he also wanted a win for Bay of Plenty, the team he played for 124 times between 1981 and 1991.

Old loyalties won through. Once the game started to go the Bay's way, Braid's blood ran blue and gold. "I was like, 'Sorry, Dan'," he said. "I've played too many games and fought too hard in that blue and gold jersey to feel anything but absolute pleasure and elation."