Shield clash to make history

For the first time in Ranfurly Shield rugby history, a challenge game will be played at Bedford Park in Matamata with Waikato taking on King Country.

This comes after intensive lobbying by United Matamata Sports (UMS) committee member and Senior A Manager Malcolm Sankey.

‘‘The club is excited to bring the Ranfurly Shield to Matamata, it really is history in the making.’’

The challenge at Bedford Park, on July 30, is part of Waikato’s Mitre 10 Cup pre-season campaign. The first challenge was held last month at Paeroa Domain with Waikato dominating Thames Valley 83-13 and the third challenge will be on August 6 in Cambridge against Wanganui.

UMS committee member and junior rugby co-ordinator Craig Taylor says the event is about bringing the Ranfurly Shield to grassroots, the local Matamata people, who are passionate about the game and their town.

‘‘This is about bringing our Waikato players, who are heroes to many of our kids, into our town. But more than that, it’s about the volunteers, the sponsors, the fans, coaches, players and their families. We just love rugby and we want good quality rugby games to be played here in Matamata.

‘‘We want to show the rest of the region that Matamata is just as capable as anyone at hosting first-class events, this is an exciting community and a great place to live.’’

UMS player Alex Bradley captained Waikato to win the Ranfurly Shield from Taranaki in 2012 and retired from rep rugby the same year. Bradley says watching from the sidelines will definitely get him reminiscing about his days in representative rugby and is excited to be ‘‘backing the boys’’ on his home field.

None of the three challenging provinces have managed to lift the Ranfurly Shield in their history. Thames Valley previously had a challenge in 2014 against Counties-Manukau, while King Country and Wanganui’s last attempt was against Taranaki in 2012.

Waikato Rugby Union General Manager Blair Foote said the Waikato Rugby Union is delighted to be able to take the Ranfurly Shield to communities both in and out of the Waikato province.

‘‘Matamata is a proud Waikato rugby town and we are very excited about holding a shield challenge there. We know the town will come out in force to support the match and experience the unique occasion.’’