Sheridan Rangihuna - “I’m not sure how we got there.”

“I’m not sure how we got there,” Sheridan Rangihuna admits when reflecting on the climax to the McBain Shield on Saturday.

A last play try by HOBM fullback Anthony Utanga prized the old trophy off Petone for the first time since 2015, the Eagles winning 30-27.

“If they would give us an inch, we would take it, but it didn’t look likely,” Rangihuna concedes.

The break for HOBM occurred when Petone lock Glen Angus was yellow carded following an all-in melee with about eight minutes remaining. Surprisingly only Petone received sanction from the scuffle.

“It wouldn’t be a McBain challenge without a bit of biff. All is fair and love and war and referee Richard Gordon dealt with it fairly,” Rangihuna insists.

“We were lucky to be on right side of the coin,” he continued.

Glen Walters kicked a penalty shortly after the fight to reduce HOBM’s deficit to four. When the visitors battled their way into the Petone 22 what advice was given by the Eagles skipper to his team?

“I wanted the boys to be patient. I knew if we built some phases we could find some holes. We were lucky our big guys made some big carries and the backs made the right call when the overlap came,” Rangihuna says.

A decision HOBM was reluctant to make was employing the services of their bench which featured five players in their first season of Premier rugby. Do the 2017 Jubilee Cup runners-up have a crisis of depth?

“It’s pretty much the same for most clubs. There is a lack of depth across the clubs because players who aren’t reaching higher honours quickly are dropping off quicker because they have to work and do other things.” Rangihuna retorts.

“There are still good players coming through the high school and Academy system and our young guys will get their chance, but it’s a matter of bridging them at the right time,” Rangihuna continued.

Rangihuna was quick to praise Petone's substitutes and emphasised shifts in momentum are common in big games.

“Momentum is a big thing in footy. After halftime we had the momentum, but didn’t make the most of it. Petone suddenly got their tails up and were riding the wave. The McBain Shield is like a grand final you have to take your chances when they come,” Rangihuna explains.

HOBM flanker Jordan Gillies was an unlikely McBain hero. His late tackle on Wellington Lion Losi Filipo stopped a certain try which would have would have won the Villagers the match .

“When you talk about battlers you can talk about Jordan Gillies. His gym results or skill level might not be the best, but he’s got a bit of ticker and that’s all you need in club footy. He is benefiting from regular starts,” Rangihuna acclaimed.

HOBM won the McBain Shield for the 20th time in 85 matches. Since 2000 the Eagles have prevailed on 11 occasions.  Since the advent of the five point try in 1992, 13 McBain Shield fixtures have been decided by seven points or less.

This Saturday Hutt Old Boys Marist will look to extend their unbeaten run in 2018 to six matches when they host lowly Paremata-Plimmerton. This match is HOBM first at home. Vanquished McBain side Petone meet Avalon up the road at Fraser Park.

This interview and story is in association with the Rugby Round Up on Te Upoko O Te Ika 1161AM